Traditional dances of Zimbabwe

Dance occupies a crucial place in Zimbabwean culture. There are about 12 prominent traditional dances in Zimbabwe, namely Shangara, Mbira dance, Dinhe, Mbakumba, Muchongoyo, Jerusarema, Mhande, Isitshikitsha, Amabhiza, Ingquza, Chinyobera and Ngungu. The Jerusarema dance and the Muchongoyo are widely regarded as the most important and distinctive dances of Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwean dances are communal and largely performed in the rural areas, where about 75 percent of Zimbabwe’s population lives. Although the traditional purposes of the dances tend to change over time, their meaning and significance is often preserved. Zimbabwean dances are performed for three main purposes; religious, social and ceremonial. They are also used to teach social values, recite history, encourage people to work, aid in funeral proceedings, celebrate festivals, praise or criticise members of the community and more importantly, help communities connect with the ancestors. The Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA) and other cultural institutions organise various events that celebrate the country’s traditional dances, including the Jerusarema Dance Festival, the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival and the Murewa-Uzumba Cultural Festival (Mucuf). Traditional dance is also taught in most primary and secondary schools across the country.

Zimbabwe’s traditional dances are mostly participatory, and often invite spectators to be part of the performance. With the exception of a few spiritual, religious or initiation dances, there are traditionally no barriers between dancers and onlookers. Even ritual dances often have a time when spectators participate. In natural settings, dances usually take very long hours, up to 12 hours or even days. This is common especially for religious dances such as the Mbira dance.

Rhythm is an important aspect of Zimbabwean traditional dances. Like most African dances, Zimbabwean dances employ polyrhythm, which is usually complemented by body articulation. The most common musical instruments used in the dances are mbira, hosho, ihoso (rattle), ngoma, ingungu (drum), magavhu, amahlwayi (leg rattle) and the human voice. The mbira is perhaps the most widely used instrument in traditional Zimbabwean music. It is plucked with the fingers to produce the melody, and is often used during religious rituals by spirit mediums in order to communicate with ancestral spirits. Another important aspect of traditional dance is the clothing. Most of the costumes are made from natural materials such as grass and animal skin.

Popular dances among the Ndebele include Muchongoyo, Isitshikitsha, Amabhiza and Ingquzu. Historically, Muchongoyo dance was performed by men in preparation for war or after war, and especially when the Ndebele warriors were victorious. The dance is typically performed with a stick and a shield. Men do the dancing and women are responsible for the singing. It is also a social and recreational dance, and does not have a religious feature; instead it highlights the events of the society. The signature movement is stamping, and dramatic gestures as well as a mimetic element are essential.

Another important dance for the Ndebele is Isitshikitsha — a ceremonial dance, historically performed for the King’s pleasure. Isitshikitsha was also commonly performed at the injelele, a rainmaking ceremony held during drought seasons by the Ndebele people of Matabeleland Province in Zimbabwe. The dance routine employs a unique brand of rhythm and style. In contemporary times Isitshikitsha is performed at social gatherings, weddings or first fruits ceremonies. It is accompanied by singing, clapping, ululation and whistling.

The above text provides a brief introduction to some of the key features of traditional dance in Zimbabwe. — Extracted from an article published by musicinafrica.net