The aphorism that “music is a universal language” bears truth in the emergence of Makola market women dancers in Accra, Ghana.
One way or another, you may have come across a video of these women—dressed in their hustling attires as traders yet transmitting happiness.
The energy behind their choreography defies their ages as mothers and some grandmothers. This is what many find fascinating about the group.
As a language, music speaks to Makola market women and their understanding is seen in their vibrant and infectious dance videos.
Who found Makola Market women?
The rise of Makola market women is largely attributed to a Ghanaian content creator, Official Starter. He is also the founder of the Happy Town Project.
A non-governmental initiative with the goal of spreading happiness to mothers especially and men on the streets and markets. Official Starter reportedly founded the group as a way to honour his late mother and give back to the Ghanaian mothers.
Official Starter kicked off his content creation with videos of him dancing with the Makola market women in Accra. These dance videos explored popular songs from Afrobeats, Hip Pop and other genres.
Since their discovery, Makola market women and Official Starter have gained fame for their happy dance videos. They have also become viral sensations promoting songs and brands through their videos.
Celebrities, songs promoted by Makola market women
In a world where ‘trends’ is a pandemic, everyone always wants to be associated with viral sensations.
With their consistent fame, it is not surprising to see Makola market women as song promoters—it is almost impossible not to gush at their videos.
This has seen them jump on viral songs and recreate trending dance steps despite their age. The most recent song is Ololufe by Nigerian singer Oxlade featuring Ghanaian renowned rapper Sarkodie.
One may argue that Oxlade’s attempt to promote his song with the Makola market women is tied to the origin of his guest artiste.
It is likely also a medium to reach his Ghanaian fans and most importantly fans of the Makola market women. However, his ability to recognise the role the women play as music promoters is more glaring.
Oxlade and the women were also captured rehearsing and dancing to the dance steps of his global hit track, Ku Lo Sa. In 2025, Nigerian singer Davido was on a call with Official Starter, indicating his recognition of the Makola icons.
Following the recent Super Bowl half-time performance of Kendrick Lamar, the Makola market women went viral for mimicking the singer in a TikTok video. They performed his song Not Like Us.
Similarly, a video of the Makola Market women dancing to Burna Boy’s City Boys caused a frenzy. The viral video had caught the attention of the singer who erected a billboard in their honour as an appreciation.
Makola Market women as culture icons
With their promotion and influencing strategy through dance videos, Makola market women have become notable cultural icons in the music space.
Artistes now employ their relatable approach and heartwarming videos as a means to push their works to their fans.
Unintentionally or intentionally, the dance journey that started as a means to share happiness with mothers and grandmothers has become a cultural force to reckon with.
After Oxlade’s, here are 7 must-watch Afrobeats ‘A Color Show’ performances
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nigerian singer Oxlade’s A Color Show performance of his hit Ku Lo Sa has surpassed one billion streams worldwide.
With A Color Show series hosted by ColorsxStudios, which had seen numerous performances, Oxlade’s is considered to be the highest.
