Top 10 Best Traditional Dances in Africa
Welcome to Displore and thanks for watching. In this video we shall be taking you on a tour around Africa and we shall be shining the light shine top 10 best traditional dances in Africa. African dance refers mainly to the dance of Sub-Saharan Africa, and more appropriately African dances because of the many cultural differences in musical and movement styles. These dances must be viewed in close connection with Sub-Saharan African music traditions and Bantu cultivation of rhythm. African dance utilizes the concept of as well as total body articulation. Dances teach social patterns and values and help people work, mature, praise or criticize members of the community while celebrating festivals and funerals, competing, reciting history, proverbs and poetry; and to encounter gods. African dances are largely participatory, with spectators being part of the performance. With the exception of some spiritual, religious or initiation dances, there are traditionally no barriers between dancers and onlookers. Even ritual dances often have a time when spectators participate.
If you are new here, welcome. Be sure to subscribe and turn on notification so that you don’t miss any of our videos.
The beauty of African traditional dance is in the combination of instruments, style and rhythm which makes it all captivating and unique. There are more traditional dances in African than there are countries. Some countries have so many tribes such as Nigeria and Cameroon with more than 200 tribes. Each tribe has its own traditional dance and so there are thousands of traditional dances in Africa but there are some which stand out. So in no Particular order, Here are the top 10 best traditional African dances.
10. Eskista Dance – Ethiopia
Eskista is a traditional Ethiopian dance performed by both men and women even children, which are known for its unique emphasis on intense shoulder movement. The dance is characterized by rolling the shoulder blades, bouncing the shoulders, and jilting the chest. Eskista is typically performed to traditional Ethiopian music, but can often be incorporated into modern forms of music such as is played in modern Ethiopian music videos. The complex nature of Eskista makes it one of the most highly technical forms of traditional dance.
9. Agbadza – Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Benin
Agbadza is an Ewe music and dance that evolved from the times of war into a very popular recreational dance. It came from a very old war dance called Atrikpui. It is originally done by the Ewe people of the Volta Region of Ghana, particularly during the Hogbetsotso Festival, a celebration by the Anlo Ewe people. This dance is also seen in present-day Togo and Benin and part of Southwestern Nigeria. The dance is usually played at funerals, weddings, and parties. Everyone is welcome to join in the dance, unlike other Ewe dances, which sometimes are reserved for people of a certain age, religion, or gender. The dance is sometimes known as the “chicken dance” due to the bird-like motions required for the dance. Agbadza finds its origin in the times of war and today, Agbadza is the most famous and widely played Ewe dance.
8. Muwogola Dance – Uganda
Muwogola dance originates from the Baganda tribe of Uganda and is performed by both men and women. This is a social gathering dance of the Baganda people. It is a traditional folk dance that originated in the palace of the king of Buganda, situated near Lake Victoria the home of Nalubaale, the wife of Lubaale, one of the gods of the Baganda people. Buganda Kingdom is comprised of the Baganda people in the central region of Uganda. It is quiet an interesting story actually how this dance originated. The dance was a result of one Kabaka of Buganda Kingdom who got drunk from the local drink ‘tonto’ or ‘omwenge’ made of bananas. As he danced out happiness, he was joined by the people around him and has been a celebratory dance among the Baganda people.
7. Chakala Dance – Kenya /Tanzania
Chakala is a traditional music and dance style of the Swahili people of coastal Kenya and Tanzania; it is originally associated with weddings and performed and watched by women. In the late 20th century, musical groups such as Mombasa roots, Safari Sound Band and Them Mushrooms have adapted this style of afro pop music. The women dress in very light, transparent clothing and have a belt around their waists for ease of movement. Tanzanian ladies, especially around the coastal areas are very good at this dance. It is also somewhat associated with Taarab, another type of style adapted in the coast and mainly performed by women. The hip-swaying dance movements of the chakala also bear some resemblance with Congolese Soukous dance and Middle Eastern Belly dance.
6. Aduma Dance – Kenya/Tanzania

source