Dance to the (Funeral) Music

GHANA - In a country where funeral are considered one of the most important social events, Benjamin Aidoo is making a name for himself by offering bereaved families dancing pallbearers.

According to Bloomberg Business Week, the 27 year old Aidoo has brought the pallbearers to more than 200 funerals, bringing the dearly departed to their final resting places to the strains fo everything from reggae to gospel music.

Charging as much as 800 cedis ($400 AUD) a ceremony, Aidoo told Bloomberg he is now having to turn customers away.

Stretching over days, funeral celebrations in Ghana involve church services, receptions and burials. Families spend thousands of cedis on food and drink, shaded seating, a disc jockey or band, traditional drummers, brochures, posters, photographers and often a videographer capturing mourners filing by the casket.