The Kenyan Sound of Music: Top 9 Tribal Music and Dance in Kenya
Music will always be fine wine that washes down the food to anyone’s soul. I am yet to know which is the food. Kenyans are fun-loving people who add fun to everything including funerals with music. They are also very creative and artistic.
I have sampled the top 9 music and dance genres that will leave you entertained and rejuvenated after listening to and dancing to them. The event or mood has never mattered.
You should always attend events punctuated by the following dances when you visit Kenya.
- Mugithi
This is a Kikuyu Dance. Kikuyu is the largest tribe of all the 44 tribes of Kenya. They are mainly located in Central Kenya. When you visit Nairobi City, and Nakuru City, or opt for a trip to Mount Kenya, this is the dance you will encounter in most luxury places.
Mugithi is performed by both men and women. Modernly, it is played in a band with modern band instruments. It is vibrant and fast-paced, you can dance yourself silly.
Many famous Mugithi singers are available on YouTube, like the Late Mike Ruwa, Samidoh, Mighty Salim, Muriithi John Walker, JB Maina, and Queen Jane. You can sample him out as you plan to visit.
Traditionally the main instruments were sheepskin drums and a traditional instrument called Mundu. You might want to take this home as a souvenir.
- Kiganda
This is still a Kikuyu dance but performed by men only. It is performed in ceremonies like marriage and circumcision. This is a special dance. When visiting, Come Travel Kenya can organize a performance for you when you visit. Drums and Mundu are the main instruments here.
- Kamwere Dance
Have you ever heard the sound of the Nkuri horn of the Ameru people? This is a very versatile group, closer to the Agikuyu and the Embu of Central Kenya. The Kamwere dance is common in Meru festivals. It is performed by men and women, adorned in colorful sisal skirts, skin gears and decorated headdresses.
The main instruments are large drums and the Nkuri horn, accompanied by anklets and calabashes.
This is a beautiful dance, you can watch it all day long, yet every minute of it is so unique.
- Isukuti
This is where the Kenyan vibrancy comes from. You will not need someone to ask you to dance to the beats of the Isukuti drums. When they start rolling, your blood starts boiling and you cannot help but move to the beat.
This is the most loved dance by all Kenyans, even though it is originally from western Kenya. The songs are so lively and the drums so coordinated. It is sometimes punctuated well by blowing horns, and into the bass pot.
You can’t get it by reading about it. Come Travel Kenya is here to plan a Western Kenya Tour for you, where you can be part of the Isukuti dances and even watch the famous Bull Fighting.
- Ohangla
This is mainly the Luo dance. Luos are found along the famous Lake Victoria locally known as the Namlolwe. Ohangla music is soul soothing. You don’t need to understand what is being said but the instrumental arrangement, percussion, the Nyatiti, the drums, the rare blow of the horn, and the dancing is enough.
The Ohangla dance is performed by both women and men, dressed in the Luo traditional attire. It is so nice to watch the women swinging in their sisal skirts, and the men vibrating the shoulder adorned in ostrich feathers.
Should Come Travel Kenya arrange a Lake Victoria and Its Islands tour for you?
- Benga
Benga is also close to Ohangla only that it is a bit modern. It is mainly sung in Dholuo Language and Luhya. Have you listened to the Congolese Rhumba, where the likes of Madillu System Sing?
Benga is the Kenyan Rumba Music. It is sung in bands. The arrangements are to die for. It is so orchestral you will enjoy it as you wash down Tusker beer or Pilsner.
Benga is performed in most bars in Kisumu City especially those that host Live bands. You can never go wrong with Benga.
- Taarab
The Kenyan Coast has it all. I mean the Ocean, the sandy beaches, the marine parks, the eco-parks, the Swahili cuisine, and then there is Taarab.
Taarab is a slow intricate dance performed by both men and women in a band. The main instrument is usually the Oude. Taarab is simply exotic. The women who dance in Taarab are so beautiful, full of charm and they ooze the Swahili aura.
When you visit the Coast, Come Travel Kenya will organize a Taarab extravaganza for you.
- Adumu
We all love jumping Maasai, right? That dance is called Adumu. It is performed by The Moran. It is interesting to watch them jump.
The Masaai Mara Tour is up for grabs. You know who gives the best tour experiences in Kenya already.
- Eunoto
Eunoto is a combination of song and dance, mainly performed by young men and women during Maasai festivities. This could be weddings, circumcision ceremonies, or parties.
Eunoto is so colorful. Maasai women are usually adorned in colorful Maasai shukas and beads. They uniformly make head movements.
The above dances are the best and most popular in Kenya. Kenya is not all about Safaris and seeing Lions. It is also fun, music, and dance. It is the food and the people. It is the whole package. So, which dance will you participate in first? The Maasai Eunoto or the Jingly Isukuti of the Luhya?
WRITER: Emily Wekulo
