Traditional dances and African culture

November 26, 2019August 1, 2021 agn 0 Comments African, Dance

By Samson Ogaye

African traditional songs are vital when it comes to preserving their culture. These songs are not just sung for entertainment. Some are sung during rituals as well as traditional ceremonies. They are passed orally from one generation to another, and 100 years to come, they‘ll still speak volume about the African culture. Here go the traditional dances:

Indlamu from South Africa

South Africa is among the top African countries that appreciate their culture, and most of their traditional dances are popular in many African countries. The Indlamu is a top Zulu dance in South Africa where men and women wear traditional Zulu costumes: animal skin, head rings, ankle rattles, and carry spears, arrows, among other weapons dancing. The dance is popular in ceremonies and marriages.

[bctt tweet=”Meaningful, tweetable article.”]

Atilogwu from Nigeria

Not only are Nigerians known for their delectable local foods: Egusi and Egbono soup, but also their dances. Atilogwu is a dance from the Ibo community in Nigeria. This dance is about body movements and it partly features acrobatics, high jumps, and rapid movements. It is prevalent with youth due to its high-energy demands. It is performed using African drums, flutes, gongs, etc.

The Aduma Dance from Kenya

The Aduma dance is a Maasai traditional dance that is interesting to watch. Also known as warrior dance or jumping dance, the dancers jump to higher levels than preceding ones. One, two, three, or four warriors, etc. steps upfront to jump. The rest of the crowd will be reciting the world Aduma, clapping, and pushing their head forward. They do so wearing traditional Maasai costumes. Countless beads on their neck, funny necklaces, and shoes made from car tires, bodies wrapped in a Maasai Linen, and with a stick on their hand.

The above are the three popular African traditional dances. Nonetheless, each tribe of Africa has traditional dances. Depending on the country, you are planning to visit, make sure to ask for one.