Culture & Tradition
In the heart of Ashong Village, nestled within the Batibo Sub Division of Cameroon’s Northwest Region, the cultural dance known as Edgung—meaning “very sweet”—is more than a performance. It’s a living expression of heritage, joy, and communal pride. Celebrated during festivals, royal gatherings, and spiritual ceremonies, Edgung is a captivating blend of rhythm, movement, and ancestral reverence.
At the center of this tradition are professional masqueraders, adorned in elaborate costumes and masks that represent ancestral spirits and cultural archetypes. Their movements are both graceful and commanding, often mimicking nature or enacting proverbs passed down through generations. Each gesture carries meaning, transforming the dance into a visual narrative of Ashong’s rich oral history.
The dance is accompanied by masterful drummers who use traditional instruments like talking drums, slit drums, and metal gongs. Their rhythms begin with slow, ceremonial beats and build into a crescendo that drives dancers into trance-like motion. The crowd, swept up in the energy, often joins in with spontaneous singing, clapping, and dancing—turning the performance into a communal celebration.
🪘 A Symphony of Sweetness: Sound, Masquerade, and Movement
Edgung’s soundscape is deeply satisfying, layered with percussive rhythms, melodic flutes, and call-and-response vocals. The music doesn’t just accompany the dance—it guides the spirit of the performance, invoking ancestral presence and emotional resonance. Drummers are revered as the heartbeat of the ritual, their beats echoing through the village and stirring collective memory.
Masqueraders enhance this sonic experience with body percussion, jingling ornaments, and synchronized choreography. Their steps align perfectly with the rhythm, creating moments of shared joy and cultural affirmation. The dance’s sweetness lies not only in its musicality but in its ability to evoke pride, unity, and spiritual connection.
Ashong’s villagers describe Edgung as a dance that “speaks to the soul.” It’s performed during key life events—weddings, harvests, and rites of passage—each time reaffirming the values and stories that define the community. No two performances are identical, but all share the essence of sweetness in sound and movement.
🌍 Preserving Ashong’s Cultural Treasure in a Changing World
Ashong Village, with its estimated population of over 25,000, is the largest in the Batibo Sub Division. Despite challenges posed by the Anglophone crisis, the community remains committed to preserving its cultural identity. Events like the Ashong Youth Convention have become platforms for showcasing traditional dances like Edgung, while also addressing issues like education and development.
Local custodians and cultural advocates are working to ensure Edgung remains a vibrant part of Ashong’s legacy. Dance troupes record performances, host workshops, and adapt elements for stage productions and festivals. The annual cultural dance celebrations in Ashong, such as the Nere Dance of Nobility and Elegance, highlight the village’s commitment to heritage.