Ekizino
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Ekizino, also known as a winter warm-up dance, is a traditional social dance of the Bakiga people, a Bantu ethnic group of Northern Rwanda and South Western Uganda. It is an energetic dance performed by both men and women to celebrate the hard work and harvest of the Bakiga, who are agriculturalists. Instrumentation for the dance includes hand-clapping, embuutu (big drum), omukuri (flute), played with five finger-holes, ensaasi (shakers), and rhythmic singing led by a lead singer.[1][2]
Background
The Bakiga originated in Rwanda, as mentioned in their folk songs. They are descendants of Kashyiga from the small Kingdom of Bumbogo in Rwanda and formed the present Bakiga community of Kigezi. Around 1,400 Bakiga arrived from Rwanda in the mid-1800s, settling in Kabale District in South Western Uganda. Due to overcrowding, they were relocated to various sub-regions, including Karamoja in 1973.[3]
Origins
Ekizino originates from stretches and warm-ups done by men and women while farming. The dance was influenced by neighboring cultures, such as the Banyankole, Bafumbira, and Banyarwanda.[4]
Performance
Ekizino is performed in groups of men and women wearing colorful costumes and adornments. The dance involves clapping, musical instruments like embuutu (big drum), omukuri (flute), and ensaasi (shakers). It is led by a lead singer who initiates the chorus. The dance movements include vigorous jumping, stamping, and rhythmic hand movements. It is performed during weddings, traditional ceremonies, and celebrations.[5]
Significance
Ekizino expresses the Bakiga's pride and appreciation for their culture, land, and people. It fosters social cohesion and harmony and is a form of entertainment and education. The dance promotes tourism and cultural exchange, attracting visitors and admirers from within and outside Uganda.[6]
References
- ↑ "Ekizino Dance -- [Digital Collection of East African Recordings]". diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
- ↑ Ssebulime, Andrew (2022-09-07). "Music As Dance and Dance as Music: Kizino Dance Training, a Dance Moment in the Diasporic Transmission Context". Le Centre Pour la Communication Scientifique Directe - HAL - SHS.
- ↑ "How Bakiga migrated from Rwanda to Kabale". Monitor. 2021-01-09. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
- ↑ Love, Justine (2020-06-18). "Of Bakiga Cultural Dance – 'Ekizino'". Gamba with J. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
- ↑ "Uganda Traditional Dances. Top Cultural Dances In Uganda". ugandasafariexperts.com. 2023-12-23. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
- ↑ Mugishagwe, Allan (2014). "Music and notions of citizenship in the humanitarian work of two NGOs in Uganda". African Music : Journal of the International Library of African Music. 9 (4): 72–90. doi:10.21504/amj.v9i4.1887. ISSN 2524-2741.
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