African music (song and dance) feature in quite the number of occasions. Whether it be at birth, at circumcision (which, in some cultures is viewed as proof of maturity) or at marriage, song and dance are quite popular in many cultures. Especially the traditional marriage dances and songs.
- African music and dance have quite a number of musical instruments. Here we have the harp, the Ennanga or Odungu (bow harp), thumb piano and the leg- or waist-rattles (also called shakers).
- Today, of course, holding a wedding the full-fledged traditional way is not common. So what many couples do on their wedding day is include the music and dance as part of the entertainment.
- Now, we know many of you are not so sure if you should include such into your weddings for various reasons, so we plan to tell you more about these dances along with the pros and
cons (if any) of African dances in general.
THE MODERN VERSION OF THESE DANCES:
- The dances have not changed much over time. African dances also vary with culture, of course. The Rwandans, for example, have a very graceful dance. Achieving such a level of grace is no easy feat. Not for me anyway. If you are holding a Rwandese-inspired wedding and can afford it, I suggest you include the traditional dance. It will be a sight to remember for both you and your guests. But not every tribe has such slow, relaxing music for their traditional wedding dances. The Acholi from Uganda and other tribes of the same ethnic groups have upbeat wedding dances, which are so fast paced you will be out of breath just watching them. Or maybe it will be because of the flexibility and awesomeness of those dancers – you tell me when you see them.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Whether the tempo is slow or fast, you will get hooked to the
presentation. Independently, the music is captivating, what with the unique instruments I mentioned earlier, but when combined with the song and finally the dance, the outcome is pretty awesome. Especially if there are some people playing the instruments live.
PROS OF AFRICAN ENTERTAINMENT:
- First of all, it is exotic. For that alone, you will earn some points. Everyone likes an exotic occasion – adding African entertainment (whether song or dance or both) is the icing on the cake. Simply put, if you want to do something that would keep people talking (in a good way) for a while after, here is a good option.
- Also, consider some of the African instruments. They add to your décor (paying attention now, are you?). Seriously, let us consider one of them: we have the drums. Made from a variety of raw materials including wood, bark and scrap these can be quite an interesting sight. But to some of the drum makers that is not enough. So what they do is carve or paint on the drums. Now these can work as some African décor.
THE CONS:
- Well, to be honest, the problem that comes to mind is the cost. It is possible that the cost of hiring African dancers can be fatalistic to
one’s wallet.
But if you can afford it, I suggest you hire them. This is one sure way of giving your guests the African experience you know they will be expecting.
For more African Wedding insights visit – http://www.sierraleonewedding.com