Kakalika
| Origin | Ghana |
|---|
Kakalika is a music and dance genre from Ghana.[1] The word originally means "cockroach" in the Ga language. The song was made by DopeNation[2][3] and released in October 2025,[4] and quickly gained popularity on social media due its fun nature, playful lyrics, and simple swinging dance movement. Kakalika's popularity was also buttressed by its use as a goal celebration by many professional football players.[1][5][6] In February 2026, the song peaked at number 35 on the US Billboard Afrobeat Chart and number two on 3Music's #MonsterHitz chart.[7]
History
According to Asamoah Gyan, the dance originated from Nima in 2012 and was performed by a young dancer over there known as Agaya Sexy Dancer.[8][9][10]
Notable performers
- Adolf Tagoe, Ghanaian Afropop singer and Kakalika dancer[11][12]
- In March 2026, Chloe Kelly and Olivia Smith performed the Kakalika dance after they scored goals.against London City Lionesses.[13]
- In March 2026, Jamal Amofa performed the Kakalika dance after he scored against Almere City.[14]
- In March 2026, the Black Stars players performed the Kakalika dance.[15]
- In April 2026, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku performed the Kakalika dance after he scored a goal against Germany.[4]
- In April 2026, William Osula performed the Kakalika dance after he scored against AFC Bournemouth.[16]
- In April 2026, Bernard Avle performed the Kakalika dance with inmates at the Osamkrom Prison.[17]
- In May 2026, PSG football players celebrated using the Kakalika song after kicking Bayern Munich out of the UEFA Champions League.[18][19]
- In May 2026, FC Barcelona celebrated their 2025/26 La Liga win using the Kakalika song.[20]
- In May 2026, Thierno Barry performed the Kakalika dance after he scored against Man City.[21]
- In May 2026, Joseph Asare, a Ghanaian student at the University of illinois Chicago performed the Kakalika dance with one of his professors during his graduation ceremony.[22]
- In May 2026, Ghanaian students at Howard University performed the Kakalika dance during their graduation.[23]
- In May 2026, Ghanaian athletes performed the Kakalika dance after they qualified to the men's 4x100m relay final in Accra during the African Senior Athletics Championships.
See also
References
- 1 2 Otchere, Gertrude Owireduwaah (13 May 2026). "This is overwhelming - DopeNation on global recognition of "Kakalika" song - Adomonline.com". Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ "DopeNation Unleashes Visuals For Their New Anthem: KAKALIKA - 3Music.tv". 3MusicTV. 5 November 2025. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ "Ghana@69 feels different: Jerseys, songs, and digital culture celebration takeover - MyJoyOnline". www.myjoyonline.com. 7 March 2026. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- 1 2 "'Kakalika' Takes Centre Stage At World Cup Friendly Match". DailyGuide Network. 1 April 2026. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ "DopeNation overwhelmed as 'Kakalika' goes global through football celebrations". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ "DopeNation's Kakalika Dance Takes Over European Football Celebrations - 3Music.tv". 3MusicTV. 11 May 2026. Retrieved 20 May 2026.
- ↑ "'Kakalika' Enters US Billboard Afrobeat Chart". DailyGuide Network. 6 February 2026. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ Owusu-Mensah, Jeffrey (16 May 2026). "Kakalika: Asamoah Gyan Claims Nima Boy, Not DopeNation, Originated the Viral Dance - YEN.COM.GH". yen.com.gh. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ Appiah, Isaac (17 May 2026). "Kakalika: Asamoah Gyan Says the Viral Dance Was Started by Nima Boy, Not DopeNation". Ghana Web. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ "Kakalika dance originated in Nima in 2012 - Asamoah Gyan Reveals". Ghana Web. 16 May 2026. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ Ofosu Osarfo, Reagan Odei (16 June 2014). "I Am Responsible And I Love My Kids— Adolf Tagoe Speaks On Father's Day". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ "Adolf Tagoe, Sarkodie introduce 'Rokpokpo Dance'". GhanaWeb. 2 September 2014. Archived from the original on 28 December 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ Tagoe, Godwin Nii Armah (15 March 2026). "Kakalika Dance Goes Global as Arsenal W Stars Chloe Kelly and Olivia Smith Join Trend - YEN.COM.GH". yen.com.gh. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ "Ghana's 'kakalika' dance goes global as Arsenal Women celebrate goal with viral move". Pulse Ghana. 15 March 2026. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ "Issahaku, Senaya, Asare: Watch the dance battle in Black Stars camp". Ghana Web. 25 March 2026. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ Tagoe, Godwin Nii Armah (18 April 2026). "William Osula Scores vs Bournemouth, Celebrates with Kakalika Dance - YEN.COM.GH". yen.com.gh. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ "🎵 Kakalika! Bernard Avle Dances with Inmates at Osamkrom Prison | Easter Orphan Project 2026". www.modernghana.com. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ Tagoe, Godwin Nii Armah (7 May 2026). "PSG Celebrate with Kakalika After Dumping Bayern Munich to Reach UCL Final vs Arsenal - YEN.COM.GH". yen.com.gh. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ "PSG stars Hakimi and Doue join viral Ghanaian 'Kakalika' dance challenge after UCL final qualification". Pulse Ghana. 8 May 2026. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ Tagoe, Godwin Nii Armah (11 May 2026). "Barcelona's Bus Parade After La Liga Win Takes Unexpected Twist With Kakalika Music - YEN.COM.GH". yen.com.gh. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ Tagoe, Godwin Nii Armah (4 May 2026). "Everton Star Thierno Barry Nets Crucial Goal vs Man City, Pulls Off Kakalika Celebration - YEN.COM.GH". yen.com.gh. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ Abanga, Edwin (11 May 2026). "Ghanaian Student and Professor Steal Show With Kakalika Dance at US Graduation Ceremony - YEN.COM.GH". yen.com.gh. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ "Ghanaian graduates at Howard University go viral for performing Kakalika dance their graduation ceremony". Pulse Ghana. 11 May 2026. Retrieved 20 May 2026.
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