Mangwengwe dance
Inscribed in 2024 (19.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
© Alick Mawasulama Mugala (camerman, editor and narrator) and Mr Thomas Mambo Mubita, Zambia, 2021 The Mangwengwe is a traditional dance that is performed by the Mambwe and Namwanga people of Zambia. Dating to pre-colonial times, it is characterized by circular movements of the shoulders and sometimes waist. The performance involves a lead singer or dancer, supporting singers and dancers, hand-clappers and musicians. The rhythm is set by the rubbing of wooden stools against the bottoms of clay pots. Most of the singing, dancing and clapping is performed by women, with men occasionally participating on special occasions. Practitioners compose their own songs, which generally describe everyday life, the land, leaders, and current events. The Mangwengwe dance is reserved for important events such as weddings, funerals and traditional ceremonies. Notably, it is the only dance performed at the funeral and burial of a chief. It is also featured in political gatherings to praise or critique political and civic leaders and to communicate their challenges and successes.
