Kwesi Appiah Embraces Ghana Team Tradition with Azonto Dance
Seville, Spain — New Ghana call-up Kwesi Appiah has embraced national team tradition with a unique twist, choosing dance over song to mark his initiation into the Black Stars squad ahead of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
In line with a longstanding football ritual, new players joining the national team are expected to entertain their teammates—typically by singing a song of their choice during team gatherings. But Appiah, who plays for Cambridge United in England’s League Two and is on loan from Crystal Palace, opted to showcase his dance moves instead.
During Ghana’s pre-tournament training camp in Seville, Spain, the striker got up in front of the squad and performed the azonto—a lively Ghanaian dance style that’s become a cultural phenomenon both at home and abroad. His confident performance drew cheers and laughter from teammates, clearly winning him early favour within the camp.
The light-hearted moment was captured and shared by Everton winger Christian Atsu on social media, quickly generating buzz among fans and adding to the squad’s growing camaraderie as they prepare for the tournament in Equatorial Guinea.
Ghana are looking to make a strong impression at AFCON 2015, and off-pitch bonding moments like these suggest team spirit is high.
Appiah, 24, will be hoping to make his international debut during the tournament, bringing fresh energy to a squad aiming to end a 33-year wait for continental glory.
