W.O.R.D.S

Gwoka, from the French Caribbean Islands of Guadeloupe.

Enslaved Africans in Guadeloupe had used Gwoka to communicate through music, song, and dance. Nowadays, this cultural expression celebrates and continues the legacy and stories of the people of Guadeloupe.

In this video, the barefoot dancer—a Black woman with ankle-length locs and wearing a sleeveless, white top and red flared shorts with a pleated hem that ends a little above her knees—is communicating with the lead drummer to perform the notes based on each step she makes. The specific rhythm, which the other drummers are playing, is called Léwoz. There are seven rhythms in total that express different moods and tell various stories.