Dance in Somalia…a Melting Pot of Cultures and Traditions
Somali traditional dance has a rich history that dates back centuries that is part of the cultural heritage of the Somali people. These dances are often performed during celebrations, weddings, and other festive occasions. Somali dance plays an important role in preserving cultural traditions, expressing joy and celebration, as well as showcasing the rich heritage of the Somali people.
The earliest evidence of Somali dance dates back to the 13th century, when Sufi mystics brought their dances to Somalia. These dances were influenced by Arab and Middle Eastern dance, and quickly became popular among Somalis. In the 19th century, Somali dance began to evolve as a result of contact with European colonists. European dances, such as the waltz and polka, were introduced to Somalia and influenced the development of Somali dance. In the 20th century, Somali dance continued to evolve as a result of changes in Somali society. The introduction of radio and television helped spreading Somali dance to new audiences, and new forms of Somali dance emerged.
The dance forms vary across different regions of Somalia, but all share common elements and reflect the vibrant cultural heritage of the Somali people. The most popular Somali dance played nearly in every Somali festive celebration is called Dhaanto. It is originated in 19th century from the Somali region of Ethiopia – specifically the pastoralist communities. It is characterized by rhythmic movements, quick turns, jumps, foot stomping, and hand clapping. It was inspired by the camel, mimicking the actions of the camel. The dance-song was revived during the Dervish period in early 20th century, when it was used to raise the 'spirts' of soldiers and was often sung on horseback. It has strong connections to the Ogaden clan. It is often performed by both men and women in colorful traditional attire, accompanied by live music played on traditional instruments, such as drums and tambourines.
Another well-known Somali dance that emerged in the early 20th century is called Buraanbur, which is a slower and more graceful style of dance. It is often performed by women and involves elegant hand gestures, flowing movements, and storytelling through dance. It combines elements of poetry recitation with synchronized movements to express emotions, such as love, loss, or homesickness. Its performances often feature a lead singer accompanied by a chorus and are commonly seen at weddings or cultural festivals.
Sayli’i dance is originated from the town of Zeila in northern Somalia yet has a strong connection to Gadabuursi clan. It began as an Islamic chant and slowly developed into a dance. The lyrics still remain as they were for hundreds of years. Another famous dance is called Sharah, which originates from Southern Somalia, particularly Mogadishu. This dance is very similar to a Yemeni dance and possibly came to Somalia through Yemeni-Somali interactions.
Another traditional Somali dance include Jaandheer (i.e., big leap). It originates in Northern Somalia and normally performed by men. It is a happy dance, characterized by its energetic jumps and high kicks, played in most Somali weddings and festive occasions. It also features a complex spinning move, which can leave you dizzy after several tries.
To celebrate and promote Somali culture, the Somali Week Festival was established in 2005. This annual event, held in London, showcases various aspects of Somali heritage, including traditional dance performances. It provides a platform for both local and international artists to come together and share their talents while preserving and promoting Somali cultural traditions.
A group of Waaberi, a government supported music and dance ensemble.
Waaberi (i.e., Dawn Players) is a 300-member music and dance troupe associated with the Somali National Theatre. It was established in 1960s by members of the Radio Artists Association. It was supported by the Somali government as part of the National Theatre of Somalia, and made tours throughout several countries in Africa, including Egypt and Sudan. They also performed in the People's Republic of China. The group continued to exist as a private organization into the 1990s. However, the destroying civil war affected their existence.
The Somali Museum Dance Troupe is another example of many endeavors to preserve Somali traditional dance abroad among migrants. It is comprised of teens and young adults from the greater Twin Cities area. The troupe has performed for countless corporate, private and public events, taking place all across Minnesota and the U.S. Their members learn plenty types of dances, including Sayli’i, Jaandheer, Dhaanto, and Sharah.
The Somali Museum Dance Troupe on stage.
Ahmed Ali Egal is a famous Somali singer, dancer, and choreographer who has gained popularity since 1960s for his unique style and creativity in dance. He has performed in various international events and also appeared on television shows. A current example, Ilkacase Qays is a well-known Somali singer and dancer who has gained popularity through his performances on social media like YouTube. He is known for his energetic dance routines and has a large number of followers.
In recent years, Somali dance has evolved to incorporate modern influences and contemporary styles. Today, they are incorporating new elements into their dances, such as hip hop. This fusion of traditional and modern elements can be seen in various performances by Somali artists around the world.
