Africa is a continent full of exciting cultures and traditions. One such unique and fascinating part of African culture is the ‘dancing.’ It’s part of many traditional celebrations, and religious rituals are often considered to teach morals. And, if you ask any African, they’ll tell you that Africa has some of the best dances in the world.
But what exactly are these African dancing traditions, and what are they like? Are they all about the dance? Or is it something else?
And if you’re planning a trip to Africa, here’s what you should know about some African dances before you set off.
1. Hausa
African dancing culture is so diverse, from traditional dances to modern ones. Although there are a lot of African dances, the most famous and observed is the Hausa dance. Hausa has been practiced since the early 1900s in Nigeria.
The practice has gradually spread to other parts of Africa and has also become popular among dancers and artists worldwide. In Nigeria, dances are commonly used for celebrations such as weddings, funerals, and festivals. Some dances have their special meanings and rituals.
2. Yoruba Dance
The Yoruba are a large ethnic group in Nigeria. They are primarily farmers and traders. Their language is Yoruba, which is similar to Hausa.
Yoruba people celebrate their festivals through dance. The most popular of these is the Egungun festival. This is celebrated when someone dies and is one of the most important festivals in Yoruba culture.
It is a time for the family to mourn and come together. It starts with a wake, where friends and family come together to pay their respects to the deceased. The family then prepares food for the funeral feast. After the wake, the family will perform Egungun, a dance form.
3. Kakilambe
It is a fertility ritual dance performed by women during August in many parts of West Africa.
The dance is usually performed by women dressed in colorful costumes. The dance is accompanied by the singing of various songs. The dancers sing in praise of the Sun God while also expressing their wish for a good harvest and a healthy baby.
The Kakilambe dance is one of the most famous dances in West Africa. Women perform it, and the dance is committed to the accompaniment of drums and rattles.
4. Gwara Gwara Dance
The Gwara Gwara dance is a traditional dance from the East African region of Kenya. It is believed to be the oldest dance in the world. This dance was originally performed by men only. But, over time, women started performing it as well.
The dancers perform this dance to celebrate their wedding. They wear white clothing and carry long sticks while they dance.
5. Rosalina Dance
This dance is from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). For the same reason that people get so excited when they see fireworks, they also get excited when they see the Rosalina dance.
A group of women will gather together and dance in unison while singing. They usually sing and dance at festivals and celebrations.