The rain dances on me
I twist, I turn
I jump and run
I rejoice under the sun
As I dance the dance of joy
The stars are dancing
The moon is smiling and so am I
Sweat driples down
I sing, I shout
As I dance the dance of joy
The heavens chant
The wind sways me side to side
I swing my waist and nod my head
The dark embraces me, shadows follow my lead
As I dance the dance of joy
The joy in my heart plays the tunes
The joy in my spirit brings the crowd
I need no more
Just the mere happiness of my soul
And I will dance the dance of joy
F.B.Marwa
Another poem by this talented young Tanzanian. Dance is an important part of life in most African countries - whether it is traditional dance or modern club dancing. I experienced and participated in dance in every African country that I visited apart from Uganda. Events such as weddings and festivals give young and old an opportunity to dance wherever the venue, whatever the time. Below are some of the images that I collected.
In Kenya the Masai, in the southern region of Ethiopia the Arbore, Dasanech, Hamer and Karo tribes people and in Ethiopia a group of elderly (high on Fanta) let themselves go. My most recent experiences in Rwanda included participating in the Cow Dance as well as a number of nights spent in night clubs enjoying all types of music including live Congolese artists (sorry no pictures)
Above Ethiopian Southern Tribespeople; below Rwandan Cow Dance and Masai in Kenya; bottom picture elderly people from Eneredada project in Ethiopia
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