You have probably seen them online dancing during funerals.
Their faces have been used in many memes and vines but
theirs is a job, they make a living out of it.
The dancing pallbearers in Ghana take their job seriously, it takes a lot of investment to do what they do.
From matching outfits to well-choreographed moves, they are
hired to ensure befitting send-offs for the deceased.
In an interview with BBC, their leader Benjamin Aidoo said
their performances are strictly guided by requests from their clients.
“If the client comes to us, we just ask them: ‘Do you want
it solemn or do you want a bit more of a display?’
“They tell us what they want and we do it,” he said.
The pallbearers carry the casket in style, dancing to the
music being played at the funeral and they always don similar outfits for
uniformity.
Elizabeth Annan said she hired them for her mother’s burial
because they bring life to a funeral and she wanted to send off her mum in
style.
“When they take your beloved to their resting place they
also dance…so I decided to give my mother a dancing trip to her maker,” she
said.
According to Aidoo, the group has created employment for
many and the group has gained popularity over time.
In Africa, funerals are very important ceremonies that
strictly adhere to culture.
While some set-aside days or even weeks to mourn their beloved, others use the period to celebrate life and organize numerous parties where people eat, drink and dance.
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