Ekizino, also knowns Kizino, is a traditional social dance originating from the Bakiga people in Kigezi region of southwestern Uganda. [1] [2] [3] [4] It is derived from the hilly terrains of the region, where farmers engage in vigorous jumping to warm up and stretch their muscles after a hard day's work. [5] [6]
The dance has historical roots and is deeply connected to Bakiga culture. It is performed on various occasions. It is considered a royal dance among the Bakiga people of Kigezi now Kabale, Kanungu, Kisoro, and Rukungiri Districts. [7] [8]
Ekizino involves both male and female participants donned in customary Bakiga clothing. This dance features vigorous movements, such as leaping and stomping, which symbolize the arduous labor of the Bakiga people in agricultural settings. [2] [9] It is generally exhibited during festive occasions, such as harvest celebrations, as well as various other social gatherings. [2] [10]
Ekizino holds great cultural significance within the Bakiga community, serving as a powerful representation of hard-working nature. It also serves as a means to transmit culture to future generations. [2]
The music of Qatar is based on sea folk poetry, song and dance. The historical importance of pearl fishing have deeply resonated within the region's artistic expression, manifesting in melodies, tunes, and dances that reflect the enduring bond between humanity and the sea. Traditional dances in Doha are performed on Friday afternoons; one such dance is the Ardah, a stylized martial dance performed by two rows of dancers who are accompanied by an array of percussion instruments, including al-ras, mirwas and cymbals with small drums. Other folk instruments include the oud and rebaba, both string instruments, as well as the ney and sirttai, which are types of flutes.
Culture of Uganda is made up of a diverse range of ethnic groups. Lake Kyoga forms the northern boundary for the Bantu-speaking people, who dominate much of East, Central, and Southern Africa. In Uganda, they include the Baganda and several other tribes
Lake Bunyonyi is in south-western Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale, close to the border with Rwanda. The lake appeared from 2004 to 2009 on the USh 5,000/= note under the title "Lake Bunyonyi and terraces". Scientific literature generally quotes a maximum depth of 40 m (130 ft), but some tourist guides and locals insist that it is much deeper, about 900 m (3,000 ft), which would make it the second-deepest lake in Africa.
Kigezi District once covered what are now Kabale District, Kanungu District, Kisoro District and Rukungiri District, in southwest Uganda. Its terraced fields are what gives this part of Uganda its distinctive character. Kigezi was popularly known as the Switzerland of Africa. The coordinates for the region are: Latitude:01 13 20S, 29 53 20E.
Kiga people, or Abakiga, are a Bantu ethnic group native to south western Uganda and northern Rwanda.
The Uganda Museum is located in Kampala, Uganda. It displays and exhibits ethnological, natural-historical and traditional life collections of Uganda's cultural heritage. It was founded in 1908, after Governor George Wilson called for "all articles of interest" on Uganda to be procured. Among the collections in the Uganda Museum are playable musical instruments, hunting equipment, weaponry, archaeology and entomology.
UNESCO established its Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage with the aim of ensuring better protection of important intangible cultural heritages worldwide and the awareness of their significance. This list is published by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the members of which are elected by State Parties meeting in a General Assembly. Through a compendium of the different oral and intangible treasures of humankind worldwide, the programme aims to draw attention to the importance of safeguarding intangible heritage, which UNESCO has identified as an essential component and as a repository of cultural diversity and of creative expression.
Arab folk dances, also referred to as Oriental dance, Middle-Eastern dance and Eastern dance, are the traditional folk dances of the Arabs in Arab world. Arab dance has many different styles, including the three main types of folklore, classical, and contemporary. It is enjoyed and implemented throughout the Arab region, from North Africa to the Middle East.
Festo Karwemera was a Ugandan historian, cultural activist and teacher. As an author he was known for primarily documenting and writing in the Runyankore-Rukiga language. He was also credited as the founder and curator of the Bakiga Cultural Museum in Kabale.
Ekitaguriro aka Cow Dance is a traditional dance originating from Nkore or Ankole region which is located in the South Western Uganda. It is a celebratory dance that is performed by both men and women as an expression of gratitude for their cattle and to showcase local prosperity such as birth, marriage and abundant harvest. It is an integral part of social gatherings and events in the region, symbolizing the deep-rooted cultural significance of cattle in the community.
Bwola, also known as Acholi bwola, is a traditional dance that originates from the Acholi people in Northern Uganda. It is reserved for special occasions and performances in front of royalty, including kings and chiefs. This dance is often showcased during the installation of new chiefs or at various royal functions.
Entogoro, also known as Orunyege, is a traditional courtship dance that is performed by the Batooro people of western Uganda. The dance holds great significance in the Tooro culture, practiced by young adults to select potential partners for marriage, as well as during weddings, initiation ceremonies, and social gatherings. Its name comes from the ebinyege rattles and entogoro rings associated with the dance.
Ugandan folklore includes traditional folktales and other folklore from the African country of Uganda. The convey meaning and experiences from generation to generation. Traditionally, folktales instilled discipline and good behaviour that shaped societal beliefs and norms within Ugandan society.
Orunyege-Ntogoro is a traditional dance from the Bunyoro and Tooro kingdoms in western Uganda. It is a courtship dance that involves the use of rattles (ebinyege) and rings (entogoro) to produce rhythmic sounds and movements. The dance is performed by young men and women who seek to attract and impress potential partners for marriage.
Bakisimba dance (Baakisiimba) also known as Nankasa or Muwogola is a traditional dance form originating from the Baganda people of Buganda Kingdom in Central Uganda. It is believed to have originated from the movements of a drunken King Ssuuna of Buganda Kingdom. The dance was initially performed in the Buganda Royal Court in ancient times an it holds significant cultural and social importance within the community and is often performed during tribal ceremonies, celebrations, and festive occasions.
Dingi dingi dance, also known as Acholi Children's Dance, is a traditional dance originating from the Acholi people of northern Uganda who occupy districts such as Gulu, Kitgum, Lamwo, Pader, and Nwoya. The Acholi have passed down this cultural dance through generations. The name "dingi dingi" derives from the rhythmic sound produced by small drums played by skilled drummers.
Kadodi dance is a traditional dance performed by the Bamasaba people, also known as the Bagisu or the Gishu, who live in the eastern part of Uganda and the western part of Kenya. Kadodi dance is mainly associated with the Imbalu the male circumcision ceremony that marks the transition from boyhood to manhood among the Bamasaba. Kadodi dance is also performed at other occasions, such as weddings, festivals, and cultural events.
Edonga Dance, also known as Edonga, is a traditional cultural dance originating from the Karamajong people, an ethnic group of the Nilotic community residing in the northeastern region of Uganda especially in Kotido and Moroto districts. This dance form is performed by both men and women, accompanied by melodious songs sung in the native Karamojong language. Edonga Dance holds significant cultural importance within the community and heritage of the Karamajong people.
Amaggunju is a traditional folk dance of the Baganda, who represent the largest ethnic community in Uganda. This royal dance is performed during important occasions such as coronations, weddings, and other cultural events. Notable features of the dance are its distinct rhythmic drumming and energetic movements, executed by both male and female performers.
Agwara is a royal dance of the Alur people of Northern Uganda, performed in the presence of the king (Rwot). It is performed by both women and men during social occasions. The dance is performed to drums, and uses linear and circular formations characterized by leg and waist twisting while wearing ankle bells to emphasize their footwork.