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Most Popular African Dances Rooted In Tradition

Most Popular African Dances Rooted In Tradition

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The popular African dances of today all have their roots in historical traditions of various tribes across the continent. Some of the following are a mix of traditional dances still performed in ceremonial contexts and moves that are more likely to be busted at the club.

Sources: AnswersAfrica.com, Wikipedia.org, Dance.LovetoKnow.com, Alokli.com

Onobello.com
Onobello.com

Alingo

Thanks to P-Square’s song, “Alingo,” the dance craze has entered into the mainstream consciousness of African dancers around the world, and the fast-paced beat inspire an energetic and fun dance. Though it is somewhat controversial for its sexual nature, the alingo dance remains popular throughout Nigeria and the rest of the African continent – despite the fact that it’s definitely not the easiest dance to do for the untrained!

SalsaBraga.com
SalsaBraga.com

Kizomba

Originating in Angola, Kizomba is a mix of samba, merengue, and traditional Angolan music. It is considered a very sensual dance, set to unique African rhythms, often of a romantic nature. Kizomba music is usually sung in Portuguese, reflecting the colonial history of Angola, and the partner dance has become extremely popular throughout lusophone African countries, Europe, and the U.S.

TheGuardian.com
TheGuardian.com

Azonto

From the clubs in Accra, Ghana, the azonto dance burst onto the scene in 2011, and is considered to originate from the traditional kpanlogo dance. Azonto dance moves imitate everyday activities and often represent the intentions of the dancer – whether that be grooming oneself, swimming, or various other activities. Azonto has become increasingly popular, helped along by various artists such as Iyanya, R2bees, Stay Jay, and more.

Pinterest.com
Pinterest.com

Agahu

The agahu dance is thought to come from the Nigerian town Badagry, and is a popular social dance throughout West Africa. During the dance, two circles are formed, one for men and the other for women. Drums and other percussion instruments provide the rhythym and soul of the agahu dance, with the agboba barrel-shaped drum as the focal point.

BellaNaija.com
BellaNaija.com

Suo

The Suo dance, particularly popular in West Africa, has unique movements that occasionally resemble somebody attempting to start a lawnmower or generator. The lowering in the waist and pulling and stretching hand movements became extremely popular in Nigeria, thanks to African musicians such as Danfo Driver and Marvelous Benji.

RhombusPublishing.com
RhombusPublishing.com

Agbekor

An ancient and traditional warrior dance, agbekor is still performed frequently today, particularly by the people of Dzogadze, a farming
community near Akatsi in the southern part of the Volta region of Ghana. Danced most often during cultural festivals or funerals, agbekor invokes different warrior movements such as mimed stabbing with horsetails or various battlefield tactics.

XOJane.com
XOJane.com

Mapouka

The best way to ensure a dance move will catch on is to ban it, as the Côte d’Ivoire government discovered when it tried to ban mapouka in the late 1990s for its sexual movements. Known as “la danse du fussier,” or “the dance of the behind,” mapouka puts a heavy emphasis on booty shaking, and is mostly performed by women. The international twerking phenomenon has its origins in mapouka. The two dance moves are largely the same.

HighStylus.com
HighStylus.com

Makossa

Makossa, also known as soukous or the African rumba, caught on in the 1990s and remains extremely popular throughout the continent. Originating in the Congo, the makossa involves a lot of thrusting hips, and was popularized even further through artists such as Koffi Olomide and Awilo Longomba.

TrekEarth.com
TrekEarth.com

Adumu

The Maasai adumu dance is internationally known as the jumping dance, but there is much more to it than just jumping up and down. It’s performed during eunoto — the warriors’ coming-of-age ceremony. Warriors form a circle and jump up and down, never letting their heels touch the ground. The incredible heights they reach affect the pitch of voices around the circle.

BellaNaija.com
BellaNaija.com

Alanta

Nigerian musician Artquake helped shoot the alanta dance to prominence, and his music video by the same name explains the dance move, “E be like fire, dey burn my body. Je kin fera, oru n my mi.” Translation:“It looks like fire is burning my body. Let me fan myself, I’m feeling hot.” Those performing the alanta often have expressions of pain or other grotesque looks on their faces, and use their hands to mimic fanning flames.

Source: Wikipedia.org