South African Students Led By Phila Mpofu Singing The Xhosa Hymn "Ndikhokhele Bawo" During Morning Assembly

 

Bawo Ndiyabonga (Bawo Song Choir) lead singer Phila Mpofu 

Phila Mpofu, Sep 16, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofBKS6vSrS4

****
Edited by Azizi Powell

This is a reprint of a 2023 pancocojams post that showcased this YouTube video of Phila Mpofu as lead singer for the song "Bawo Ndiyabonga". The title for this song appears to most often be given as "Ndikhokhele Bawo" or "Bawo". The English translation for "Ndikhokhele Bawo is "Lead Me Father".

This pancocojams post showcases a YouTube video of this traditional isiXhosa hymn. This rendition of that song occurred during morning assembly by the Motherwell Center in Soqhayisa, South Africa. That song is also known online as "Bawo" or "Bawo Ndikhokhele". 

The isiXhosa lyrics of this song are included in this pancocojams post along with their English translations. This post also presents a few comments from the discussion threads for a few comments from the discussion thread for two no longer available videos of Phila Mpofu singing lead for this song.

This pancocojams post also includes the visitor comments and my replies that were published for this 2023 pancocojams post on this song.

I plan to publish another pancocojams post of this video which will feature some comments from its discussion thread. When I publish that post I will add its link here. 

The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes. 

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to the composer/s of this song and thanks to Phila Mpofu and all those who are featured in these videos. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post.
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2024/03/south-african-schools-morning-assembly.html for Part I of a five part pancocojams series on South African schools morning assembly songs. Some of the videos in those posts are no longer available. However, those post include some comments from those now deleted YouTube videos. 

****
PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE ABOUT THIS POST
This post is a copy of a 2023 pancocojams post entitled "Three Examples Of The South African Gospel Song "Ndikhokhele Bawo" ("Bawo") As Sung By Phila Mpofu And Other School Students."

If I remember correctly, the other two videos showed Phila Mpofu leading other students in renditions of this song during school or after-school.

The video that was #2 in the 2023 pancocojams post appeared to be the earliest published video example of a  rendition of "Bawo" led Phila Mpofu that was found online as of Feb. 25, 2024. Some of these renditions may have occurred on different days.  

Unfortunately, the first video of that song that is given above is the only one that still remains on YouTube. I had shared a few of those comments in the 2023 pancocojams post that was the original version of this 2026 post. Those comments are included in this 2026 post and I've deleted that post so that it wouldn't be confused with this updated post.

**
Phila Mpofu is the lead singer for this South African high school's morning assembly rendition of the traditional isiXhosa hymn "Ndikhokhele Bawo". The name and location of that school is "Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School" in Motherwell township, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
-snip-
Here's the summary of the first published video of this school's morning assembly rendition of "Bawo" that was published by Luthando Makanda:
"This video was taken on the 12 March 2023 at the Motherwell Center in Soqhayisa where we teach Grade 10 to 12s Mathematics and Science."
-end of quote-
Luthando Makanda eventually changed his screen name to "South African School Assembly Music+Gwijo". By at least August 2024, the YouTube account under that name had been closed. Of course, no reason was given for that action. I'm sorry about that, but I'm relieved that Phila Mpofu's video of "Ndikhokhele Bawo" remains on YouTube. I'm also glad that the video that remains includes the girl in the front moving in a stepping-like routine while she and others sing that powerful, beaautiful song. 

****

ONLINE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SONG "NDIKHOKHELE BAWO"
These quotes are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.

Quote #1
https://www.giamusic.com/store/resource/ndikhokhele-bawo-satb-print-ww1581 
Ndikhokhele Bawo (SATB)*
..."Description:
A traditional Xhosa song that almost every black South African grew up singing in church. It is commonly sung during the Holy Communion, as it is significant to do so, considering the text."
-snip-
"SATB" 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SATB
"Choral music

Four-part harmony using soprano, alto, tenor and bass is a common scoring in classical music,[1][2][3][4] including chorales and most Bach cantatas.[5]"

****
Quote #2
From https://arsingers.org/ndikhokhele-bawo/
"NDIKHOKHELE BAWO, October 23, 2020 "Ndikhokhele Bawo” – arr. Michael Barrett
"The text of Ndikhokhele Bawo comes from Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” and is in the Xhosa language. This Bantu language falls into the category of Nguni languages, the same umbrella that contains Zulu; Xhosa is one of the most widely spoken languages in South Africa"

****
QUOTE #3
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHHnztrFU9k
Ndikhokhele Bawo (Three-part Mixed) - arr. Michael Ryan

The Lorenz Corporation, Jan 29, 2019
"This authentic setting of a cherished isiXhosa folk song…"

****
THE EARLIEST YOUTUBE EXAMPLE OF THIS SONG
There are multiple versions of "Ndikhokhele Bawo" on YouTube. 

The earliest  version of "Ndikhokhele Bawo" that I have found on YouTube is Mzansi Youth Choir, Jul 27, 2011, Producer, arranger and Conductor: Ralf Schmitt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioM2migkXiA 

****
LYRICS - NDIKHOKHELE BAWO
(Traditional IsiXhosa song, no composer/s identified)

" (originally sung in Xhosa) 

Ndikhokhele Bawo, zundi kokhele (Lead me oh Father [Lead me])
Ndikhokhele mmeli wami (Lead me my savior)
Ezintsizini,  Zalomhlaba Bawo (in all the sorrows of this world Father)
(Bawo, Bawo, Bawo) ( Father, Father, Father)
Bawo ndiyabonga (Father I thank you)
Ngoba wena usandigcinile (for you still protect/keep me) (Repeat)

Thaluthele thuze kwami  (You calm all my fears) x2
(Bawo, bawo, bawo) ( Father, Father, Father)
Bawo ndiyabonga (Father I thank you)
Ngoba wena usandigcinile (for you still protect me)

Mmeli wami bawo uthaluthele thuze kwami (Father, Savior, you calm my fears)
Bawo ndiyabonga (Father I thank you)
Ngoba wena usandigcinile (for you still protect me) (Repeat)

(Verse 2)

(Verse 1) "

Online Source - https://africangospellyrics.com/2013/10/04/ndikhokhele-lead-me-lyrics-by-mzansi-youth-choir/

****

SELECTED YOUTUBE DISCUSSION THREAD COMMENTS FROM TWO DISCUSSION THREADS FOR TWO YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT "BAWO"  AS LED BY PHILA MPOFU  

Numbers are given for referencing purposes only.

Pancocojams Editor's Note: Feb. 25, 2024- The video that is given at the top of this post isn't the original video that was uploaded on YouTube of this school's students singing that song.

The YouTube video that was originally given in this post that was given here as VIDEO #2 is no longer available. That video's title was entitled "ZundiKhokhele, Bawo Ngiyabonga, Usandigcinile (Female Leading Voice, Amazing)#worshipsong #school" and was published by in 2023 by Luthando Makanda whose online name is now "South African School Assembly Music+Gwijo".

When a YouTube video is deleted, the comments in its discussion thread are also deleted. Fortunately, I had retrieved some of the comments from that video and posted them to that 2023 pancocojams discussion thread before that YouTube video was deleted.

1. @luthandomakanda9180, 2023
"This version is the probably the best unplanned unorchestrated version ever. GLAD YOU could stop in and hear it. I HAVE THE SUBTITLED version of the song on the channel incase you want to get the English meaning"

**
2.@moafrika8789, 2023
"That African reflex of having a dance and step to go with even the simplest of our songs is what makes us undeniably blessed as Africans."

**
Reply
3. @luthandomakanda9180, 2023
"One of the African Phenomenas of our time, would you say it's worthy of study and research in our Higher Institutions of Learning"

**
4. @sketemamma2563, 2023
"This gives me such chills. Not only is the lead singer immensely talented but the rest of the girls match her in their enthusiasm and energy. I love the way that girl in the front row is really feeling it. 😀 I went to school in Zimbabwe and miss these days - the assemblies, the hymns and the overall formality and respect we showed these gatherings. I wish Black kids here in the U.S. could experience this. Am proud of my little sisters. ❤️❤️❤️🇿🇼🇿🇼"

**
5. @jamesnjenga813, 2023
"What a way to start the day South Africans have sweet voices they sing sing soo effortlessly loving this from Kenya you guys are the best out choirs can't come close to what you guys can do"

**
Reply
6. Luthando Makanda, 2023
"Thank you so much James hope this earns your subscription... and this was just an assembly, as spontaneous as can be"

**
7.  @truquetie8149, 2023
"NO MICROPHONE NEEDED! You can still hear her. ❤"

**
8. @keemafleming9051, 2023
"I can listen to this over and over… her voice is so powerful and amazing, it brings me joy, sadness and comfort all at once… keep singing young lady… listening and watching out to see you again singing"

**
9. @rutendokapezi4582, 2023
"When the camera focused on the lead I couldn’t believe it I thought she was on stage . So beautiful I started crying when I saw how calm she was leading with such power and poise ❤❤blessed"

**
10. @aliciamcdonald7105, 2023
"The most amazing voice I have ever heard. NO mic, no auto tune, nothing but PURE UNADULTERATED passion and gifting by the MOST HIGH!"

**
11. @priscillapolakie9684, 2023
"I remember my days every morning at school,,we used to start the day with a prayer,,those were the days 😊"

 **
Reply
12. @thulisilegumede8060, 2023
"It also reminds me of my childhood days when we used to pray and praise God. I am happy to see that there are still schools which have ‘assemblies’ ❤❤"

**
13. @tiffanybrown5413,2023
"My brother found a clip of this on TikTok this morning and sent it to me. My spirit was IMMEDIATELY moved to tears before I even knew what these babies were singing. The lyrics took me over the top!! ❤🙌🏾🙌🏾 You can literally FEEL the presence of the Holy Spirit. I had goosebumps and I have been listening to this song on repeat for the past 2 hours. Thank you so much for sharing  this blessing with the rest of the world. Sending you all love from United States (Ohio)🇺🇲"
-snip-
Update: Oct. 18, 2023
Here's a comment exchange about this same high school singing another South African Gospel song entitled "Ndizolibonga Elakho Igama" (This explanation also pertains to that high school morning assembly's renditions of "Ndikhokhele Bawo" from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j2lLj2jo5Y

1. @sibongilemncube5374,2023
"Do they rehearse ❤ they sound exceptional. Reminds me of assembly days yhuuuu. The coordination, love the concept of taking assembly time serious and having order which is what the God we serve is about"

**
Reply
2. @luthandomakanda9180, 2023
"No they don't rehearse, but a synergy exist because when we have assembly they repeat certain songs allowing many to catch the catch the flow of how a song should be, but often times we get surprised by the spontaneity"
-snip-
Based on this comment and on another comment exchange in that video's discussion thread or in another  discussion thread of a video that Luthando Makanda published about those high school students singing "Ndikhokhele Bawo", Luthando Makanda is a teacher at that high school.

****
Selected Comments from the video given as Video #2 in this post [This video is no longer available on YouTube.]

1.@zuripenda, 2023

"So wonderful, those strong powerful voices and you know the dance moves me.

Thankful as always

Please greet them for me.

🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹"

**
Reply
2. @schoolassembly_gwijo,2023
"Thank you so much will pass on the greetings"

**
3. @bthompson2192, 2023
"What a way to start the school day! We should all follow this everywhere in all schools. Just Beautiful"

**
Reply
4. @reginaldsmith1556,2023
"Agree"

**
Reply
5. @schoolassembly_gwijo, 2023
"It really is, and it gets us learners and Educators excited to get the day going."

**
6. @uchennaorinya5701, 2023
"What's the title of this song? I want to download it."

**
Reply
7. @schoolassembly_gwijo, 2023
"This a Medley that the kids in our school just randomly sang on the spot"

**
8. @EmmahTendai-qt2ch,2023
"Wow️..

Which school is this."

**
Reply
9. @schoolassembly_gwijo,2023
"It's at the premises of  Soqhayisa but congregating various schools who are part of the ProMaths Kutlwanong Initiative to better Maths and Science in previously disadvantaged learners in Motherweĺl Gqeberha'

**
10. @perpsabraham6734,2023
"Which school is this kindly?"

**
Reply
11. @schoolassembly_gwijo, 2023
"Combination of schools in Motherwell, but we using the premises of a school Called Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School."

**
Reply
12. @sanelisiwemabaso8196, 2023
"This explains the two set of uniforms showing.... Beautifully sang, reminds me of my school days"

**
Reply
13. @elizabethmoniloye2829,2023
"I don't understand a single word but I love this song and the way it's sang and the dance steps"

**
14. @valentinemuziomhle5492, 2023
"I'm so touched this is what was supposed to be kept in schools unfortunately they've cancelled assembly time for what only God knows but keep this up it's so nice to start the day with this wonderful mood it makes a learner to even forget what happened at at home before living this is so lovely"

**
Reply
15. @schoolassembly_gwijo, 2023
"Thank you so much @valentinemuziomuhle5492

we stay ever encouraged to continue  as a movement this side to ensure that this inspiring tradition never fades, and you correct it directs the focus and attention of our Learners and they are able to aspire and reach for greater heights"

****
COMMENTS FROM THE 2023 PANCOCOJAMS DISCUSSION THREAD

1. ZanescAugust 7, 2024 at 11:07 AM

   Showcase video #2 has been removed, it was my favourite song. Please Lord help me find it again.

   ReplyDelete
   Replies

   
   Azizi PowellAugust 7, 2024 at 3:58 PM
   Zanese, greetings to you. Thanks for your comment which prompted me to visit this pancocojams post. I see that the videos given as #2 and #3 aren't available on YouTube because the YouTube account for Luthando Makanda ( South African School Assembly Music+Gwijo") Ihas been closed.
   
   I'm sorry that has happened. I wish Luthando Makanda well and thank him for introducing the Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School singers to the rest of the world.
   
   That goodness that Phila Mpofu's YouTube account is still open although it doesn't appear to be very active. Phila Mpofu is the student whose singing is highlighted in that "Ndikhokhele Bawo song.
   Delete
   
   Azizi PowellAugust 7, 2024 at 4:57 PM
   Here's a link to a video of the song Ndikhokhele Bawo as sung at Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njtzubIVwt0 South Africa School Kids Sing Bawo. (FULL VERSION) published by Chef Allen Maddox, December 11, 2023
   Delete
   
   Azizi PowellAugust 7, 2024 at 5:25 PM
   I shared that link for the historical and cultural record. I;m a subscriber of both these channels .However, I particularly encourage people to support the channel of this extraordinary soloist Phila Mpofu.
   Delete
   Reply
2. 
   ZanescAugust 7, 2024 at 5:05 PM

   Yes wish him all the best and thank you as well.
   
   Got that one.
   
   Loved singing #2 to my niece, it highlighted God well.

   ReplyDelete

****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome. 

A DRC Brazzaville, Central African Dance Whose Formation Is Similar To The Longways Set (with three videos of longways set dances from the United States: "The Virginia Reel", "The Stroll", & "The Soul Train Line"

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post showcases a YouTube video from the Republic of the Congo (also known as DRC Brazzaville) whose formation is similar to European/United States longways set (contra dancing).

This post also showcases three videos of longways sets from the United States: The Virginia Reel, the 1957 "The Stroll" dance, and The Soul Train line.

In addition this pancocojams post presents information about longways dancing in Central Africa and in the United States. 

Specific information about the Soul Train Line, a contemporary example of longways dancing tat is very familiar to African Americans, is also included in this pancocojams post.

The content of this post is presented for historical, socio-cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are featured in these showcase videos. Thanks to the producers and publishers of these videos and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. 
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2026/08/a-video-of-traditional-single-file.html for a related pancocojams post entitled "A Video of A Traditional Single File, Circular Line Dance From The Republic Of The Congo & A Video Of A Contemporary African American Single File Circular Line Dance"

****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS 

These videos are given in no particular order.

Numbers are added for referencing purposes only

Click the liinks below each video to read comments from that video's discussion thread.

****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #1 - Tala Kwé Wa Tuka (Official Music Video) | Kiazi Malonga

Kiazi Malonga, Jun 19, 2024  BRAZZAVILLE

Filmed on location in Congo Brazzaville. Featuring Christian “Mabanga” Boukaka.

Video by Domy Scram

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvRwivWvaDo

Music- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXkTWehXFuI [sound file of this music by Christian “Mabanga” Boukaka ]

****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #2- Virginia Reel



Mormon Pioneer Dances, August 26, 2017

The Virginia Reel was the most popular dance amongst the Mormon pioneers who came across the plains to Utah.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnLEnf-6S_U

****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #3- American Bandstand 1957 & 1968 - The Stroll, The Diamonds

YouCanDanceToit!, Feb 3, 2018

To celebrate AB's 11th anniversary, the kids in 1968 try to do The Stroll to a clip of the kids in Philadelphia from 1957.

Airdate: Aug. 17, 1968

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEGMm0Dgsbs

****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #4 - Soul Train Line Dance to Earth Wind & Fire's - Mighty Mighty



carwashlondon, Dec 22, 2009

Disco Dance Moves

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5_oM8rU1jk

****
ADDENDUM #1 -  MY QUESTION AND AI OVERVIEW RESPONSE ABOUT INFORMATION ABOUT "LONGWAYS" DANCING IN AFRICA
Source #1- From AI Overview (in response to my question on August 29, 2026: 
"What is longways dancing?" 

AI Overview
"Longways folk dances are traditional group social dances where two parallel lines of partners stand and face each other.

How Longways Dances Work

Formation: Dancers form two long lines. Traditionally, one line is for men/leaders and the opposite line is for women/followers, with each person standing directly across from their partner.-

Progression: Most longways dances include a "progression". As the dance repeats, the top couple moves down to the bottom of the set, while the other couples step up one place.

History and Origins

English Roots: These dances started as 17th-century English Country Dances popularized by publishers like John Playford.

American Tradition: English colonists brought the style to North America. It evolved into American contra dancing and square dancing.

Popular Examples

The Virginia Reel: A classic, high-energy colonial American dance.”…
-snip-
The source that is cited for this overview is given as Source #1 immediately below.

Notice that this overview only gave information about longways sets/contra dancing that originated in Europe. African American dances such as the 1950s Stroll or the 1970s on Soul Train line that derived from the Stroll aren't mentioned. (I believe that The Soul Train line should be cited as a popular example of a longways set since in contemporary United States it is much more popular than The Virginia Reel.)

The lack of information about this dance format outside of Europe/North America leads to the inaccurate conclusion that Europe was the only place that longways dance forms originated (i.e. that White people were the only ones that created this dance format and therefore any dance that is done in this formatation is derived from European (White) dance. 

****
Source #2-https://www.histoiredebal.com/en/2024/12/31/longways-mode-demploi/
“Longways, reel, contra, anglaise, english country dance… Are you lost? 
..."What is a longways ?

The longways, English country dance or contra line is a formation where the dancers form two lines facing each other. That type of dance usually includes a progression, meaning that the couples will change place.

Longways are associated with England in the collective imagination. You only have to watch an English historical film to realise this (Jane Austen adaptations, Poldark…). However, there are many English country dances that are not longways: circles, squares, lines and so on.

Longways can be found outside England, notably in the Walloon repertoire (Vieille Maclote); in 18th-century France, and so on.”…

 ****
ADDENDUM #2 -INFORMATION ABOUT THE STROLL (1957 UNITED STATES SOCIAL  DANCE)
From 
"The Stroll was both a slow rock 'n' roll dance[1] and a song that was popular in the late 1950s.[2]

Billboard first reported that "the Stroll" might herald a new dance craze similar to the "Big Apple" in December 1957.[3][4]

In the dance two lines of dancers, men on one side and women on the other, face each other, moving in place to the music. Each paired couple then steps out and does a more elaborate dance up and down between the rows of dancers.[5] Dick Clark noted the similarity of the dance to the Virginia reel.[6] It was first performed to "C. C. Rider" by Chuck Willis on American Bandstand. Link Wray's "Rumble" was also a popular tune for doing the stroll.

The Diamonds had a hit song entitled "The Stroll" in 1957.

When 1950s nostalgia came to the forefront in the 1970s, the Stroll saw renewed public awareness. It was used in the film American Graffiti (1973) during the scene at the high school dance and is mentioned in some of the lyrics in the musical Grease. Led Zeppelin's 1950s rock homage "Rock and Roll" mentions the Stroll. 

The Stroll was an integral part of most episodes of the dance TV series Soul Train, where host and creator Don Cornelius dubbed it the "Soul Train Line".

****
ADDENDUM #3 -  INFORMATION ABOUT THE SOUL TRAIN TV SERIES AND THE SOUL TRAIN LINE
Source #1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soul_Train
"Soul Train is an American musical variety television show. After airing locally on WCIU-TV in Chicago, Illinois, for a year, the popular series then aired nationally in syndication from October 2, 1971, to March 25, 2006. In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip hop artists. The series was created by Don Cornelius, who also served as its first and longest-serving host and executive producer.[1][2]

[...]

Soul Train line

There was also the popular "Soul Train Line" (a variant of the 1950s fad then known as The Stroll), in which all the dancers form two lines with a space in the middle for dancers to strut down and dance in consecutive order. Originally, this consisted of a couple—with men on one side and women on the other. In later years, men and women had their own individual lineups. Sometimes, new dance styles or moves were featured or introduced by particular dancers. In addition, there was an in-studio group of dancers who danced along to the music as it was being performed."...^]

****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome. 

A Video of A Traditional Single File, Circular Line Dance From The Republic Of The Congo & A Video Of A Contemporary African American Single File Circular Line Dance

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post showcases a YouTube video of a traditional single file, circular line dance from The Republic of The Congo.*

*The Republic of The Congo (also referred to as Congo Brazzaville) shouldn't be confused with the larger adjacent nation The Democratic Republic of The Congo (also referred as Congo Kinshasa). Both of these nations are located in Central Africa. 

This pancocojams post also showcases a YouTube video of a single file, circular African American soul line dance.

Addendum #1 of this pancocojams post presents an AI Overview response to my question about whether any traditional African dances were performed in single file or in longways formations (i.e. two parallel lines facing each other -for example "The Soul Train line".)

Addendum #2 showcases another video from the Republic of The Congo that showcases young girls dancing outdoors in a single file to music that is being performed on stage.

The content of this post is presented for historical, folkloric, socio-cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to the videographers and publishers of these videos on YouTube. 

Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post.
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2026/08/a-drc-brazzaville-central-africa-that.html for the related pancocojams post entitled "A DRC Brazzaville, Central African Dance Whose Formation Is Similar To The Longways Set (with three videos of longways set dances from the United States: "The Virginia Reel", "The Stroll", & "The Soul Train Line".

****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.

SHOWCASE VIDEO #1- 2 juin 2026*



LA MISERE DE MON PEUPLE, Jun 2, 2026

Comments are turned off.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPkv5BRcQ2s
-snip-
*Unfortunately, this video doesn't have any title but the date the video was published on YouTube.
To increase the way this video can be identified, I suggest using a title such as "Women From The Democratic Republic of  The Congo Dancing In A Single File June 2, 2026." 

Here's my description of this video:
A number of young Black African women from The Republic of The Congo perform a dance outdoors in a single file line. 

The women perform a choreographed routine as they move in a counter clockwise* direction to eventually form a circle. 

*"counter clockwise"- the line follows its leader who moves to the left and not to the right (clockwise). 

One woman in that group (who in this video isn't the leader) blows a whistle to accompany the music and not for signaling purposes. This up-tempo, percussive music is played and sung in the dancers' native language presumably by people who aren't shown in this video..

The women in this line don't sing or make any sounds while they dance.
-snip-
Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MvXvelxpO8 for a June 11, 2026 YouTube video from The Republic Of The Congo of women performing this same dance.

This is one of several other videos of this dance from that video uploader whose sound feature unfortunately isn't working and whose comment features are turned off.

****
YOUTUBE VIDEO #2 - Follow Me (Circle Dance) - SSULD 12/30/2025

Southside Urban Line Dance, Premiered Mar 1, 2025

Dance: Follow Me (Circle Dance)

Choreographer: unknown

Ballou Recreation Center

Holiday PotLuck

Danville, VA.

‪@southsideurbanlinedance
-snip-
Music- "Follow Me" by Aly-Us

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QhsvXglGgc

****
ADDENDUM #1- RESPONSE TO MY QUESTION ABOUT WHETHER ANY TRADITIONAL AFRICAN DANCES WERE PERFORMED IN SINGLE FILE OR LONGWAYS* FORMATIONS

My question (August 29, 2026)

Has there been any studies about the possible influence of traditional African dances or specifically Congolese dances on the dance formation of European dances such as the Virginia reel or promenade single circular movements?  

****
AI Overview Response (August 29, 2026)
"Yes, academic studies exist that explore the structural intersection and mutual influence between traditional African dances (including Congolese traditions) and European folk dance formations like the Virginia reel or circular promenades.

Rather than a one-way influence where African movement altered ancestral European forms in Europe, dance ethnologists and historians typically frame this as a phenomenon of "elective affinities" and cultural synthesis that occurred in the American diaspora. Enslaved Africans and European settlers interacted closely, blending structural elements of their respective dance styles

Key Academic Insights and Theories

The "Line and Circle" Structural Commonalities:
In seminal research like The Circle and the Line: Speculations on the Development of African American Dance, scholars note that both West/Central African and traditional European cultures possessed strong traditions of line (longways) and circle formations. This overlapping geometric structure made European contra-dances—such as the Virginia reel (which descended from Irish and English roots)—highly adaptable to African dancers.)."...

[Source cited:https://www.proquest.com/openview/a03a83481937f13b24f1461351cbf186/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1821483

Scholarly Journal

The Circle and the Line: Speculations on the Development of African American Vernacular Dancing

Hazzard-Donald, Katrina.  The Western Journal of Black Studies; Pullman, Wash. Vol. 20, Iss. 1,  (Spring 1996): 28.

Copyright (c 2008)ProQuest LLC
Copyright © Washington State University
-snip-
Here's an excerpt from that journal article:
..."The Transformed European Reels:

Historical evidence shows that enslaved Africans frequently adopted and radically modified European set and line dances. For instance, archives mention enslaved dancers mastering the "Congo Minuet," where European choreography was infused with Congolese styling, rhythmic syncopation, and percussive footwork.

The Sacred Circle vs. Secular Promenade:

In many European group dances, a promenade single circular movement serves as a temporary transition section. Dance historians theorize that when African diaspora dancers engaged with these forms, their interpretation of the circle was heavily filtered through sacred Central African cosmovisions.

 In the Congolese tradition, the counterclockwise circle represents the cycle of life, death, and spiritual continuity (evident in the evolution of the Afro-American Ring Shout). Scholars argue that while Africans participated in the secular lines common to European reels, they often adapted or loaded the circular promenade sections with deep, ancestral spiritual meaning. 

Congo Square as a Melting Pot:

 In regions like New Orleans, Sundays at Congo Square allowed people from the Congo and West Africa to keep their traditional dances alive. White observers frequently witnessed these heavy, earth-centered circular formations, creating a loop of mutual observation that eventually filtered back into American social and folk dances. "...
-snip-
Here's information about longways dance formations
from https://dancingmasters.com/dances-in-longways-sets/
..."A longways set is comprised of two lines of dancers facing each other. Each dancer stands across from their partner. Traditionally, the ‘gents’ are in the right hand line, the ‘ladies’ in the left hand line. See CHOOSING PARTNERS. Each time through the dance the top couple progresses to the bottom of the set while the other couples move up one place. The dance is then repeated with the new top couple."...
-snip-
This article includes a drawing that shows the top couple standing in the space that I would consider to be the bottom of the drawing and the bottom couple standing in the space that I would consider to be the top of the drawing.. 

I think a number of Americans may also have this opinion of where the top and bottom are in these longways sets and we reverse that top/bottom label from the way it is given in that drawing. That label change is important because it determines whether the couples dance down the space in between the two parallel (longways) lines or whether the couples dance up that space. 

The Soul Train line was a feature in the long running national television dance series Soul Train that showcased mostly Black teens performing the latest social dancers.

I believe that the Soul Train line is still the most familiar example of a longways set that people in the United States know. In the Soul Train line the couple (and later one dancer at a time) always danced down the space in between those two longways lines to the bottom of those lines.

****
ADDENDUM #2-8 juin 2026*

PONTON TRADI-MODERNE, Jun 8, 2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NGFNTrSHEU
-snip-
*This is the only title for this video.

As a way of helping to identify this video, I suggest that it be sub-ttiled "Young girls from the Republic of The Congo dancing in single file June 8, 2026"

These pre-teen/teenage girls are doing more hip motions in this dance that the other Republic of the Congo video in this pancocojams post whose sound feature is working.

As is the case with the women who are dancing in that video, these girls in this single file line don't hold hands or have any contact with any other dancers. They also don't sing or make any sounds while they dance. 

****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome. 

The 63rd Anniversary Of The 1963 Civil Rights March On Washington (with examples of chants from that 2026 Anniversary March)

 

March on Washington 2026: Thousands Rally to Defend the Vote and Civil Rights | AC1N

DRM News, Aug 28, 2026  #MarchOnWashington2026 #DefendTheVote #VotingRights

Thousands gathered in Washington, D.C., for the “March on Washington 2026: Defend the Vote,” marking the 63rd anniversary of the historic 1963 march. Reverend Al Sharpton, Spike Lee, Yolanda Renee King and other prominent figures joined the rally as speakers and activists called for voting rights, civil rights and economic justice. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NF39BlZKZwg
-snip-
Most of these marchers were Black, but there were a considerable number of White people who also in this march.

In age, the marchers appeared to be from the early 20s on up. Most of the marchers appeared to be over the age of  40 years old. I didn't see any children among these marchers. 

There were a number of people in this march who were wheelchairs or walking with canes. 

****
Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post showcases a YouTube video of the 63rd anniversary of the March on Washington. That march was held on August 28, 2026 in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.

This post includes a news article about this 63rd anniversary march and presents the words to several chants that are heard in that showcase video.

The content of this post is presented for historical and socio-cultural purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to the organizers and leaders of this march and thanks to all those who participated in this march. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube.

****
NEWS ARTICLE EXCERPT ABOUT THE 63RD YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MARCH ON WASHINGTON
From https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/one-different-63rd-anniversary-march-190500945.html ‘This one is different’: 63rd anniversary of March on Washington comes at a moment of crisis for Black Americans published by Gerren Keith Gaynor,  August 28, 2026
"Thousands descended on the Lincoln Memorial plaza on Friday in Washington, D.C., to participate in a demonstration marking the 63rd anniversary of the March on Washington for Freedom and Jobs.

While there have been several such commemorations since the original 1963 march organized by civil rights leaders Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., A. Philip Randolph, Bayard Rustin, John Lewis, and others, Black leaders in 2026 say that the stakes for this year's march are higher than ever following the rollback of voting rights and economic opportunity and the mysterious deaths of young Black men in the South.

"This one is different," says Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. He told theGrio, "The urgency comes after a sustained 18-to-20-month attack on all of the victories of the civil rights movement, from equal opportunity in employment through attacks on diversity, through the Supreme Court's gutting of the Voting Rights Act by way of the Callais case."

The theme of this year's march, organized by Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network and Martin Luther King III's Drum Major Institute, is "Protect the Vote." Following the Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais ruling in April, which struck down protections against racial discrimination in voting for Black Americans, Republican-controlled states in the South, at the direction of President Donald Trump, moved to eliminate majority-Black Congressional districts, threatening generations of Black electoral representation.

"Defending the vote means defending the foundation of our democracy," said Martin Luther King III. "Sixty-three years after my father stood at the Lincoln Memorial, we are called to march again, not only in remembrance, but in action."

Morial told theGrio that this year brings a "sense of urgency and purpose," adding, "There's no commemorative element of this march. This march is about defending the vote. This march is about restoring equal opportunity. This march is about resistance to a movement that is taking America in the absolute wrong direction."

In addition to voting rights rollbacks, Black Americans are seeing a rise in unemployment and less access to economic opportunity, including cuts to higher education funding and critical social services like Medicaid, as a result of Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, passed last July.

"The big ugly bill is damaging America in ways beyond description," said Morial. "We want the world to know that there is another path other than the path of division and destruction, and billionaire tax benefits and cuts to healthcare, education, and [enforcing] violent immigration enforcement strategies."

[…]

The 63rd anniversary of the March on Washington also marks the anniversary of the 1955 lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till, who was murdered by a mob of white men in Mississippi. Organizers of the 1963 march intentionally chose Aug. 28 as the date of the historic demonstration to honor Till's life.

The joint commemorations of the March on Washington and Till's murder come as Black America mourns the mysterious deaths of young Black men killed in the South: Nolan Wells, 18, who died during a July 4 boat trip with white friends on Horn Island, Mississippi; Daniel Irving, 18, who drowned at a north Texas lake in April; and Tyler Smith, 18, who died of a gunshot wound to the head while reportedly playing Russian Roulette with friends.

"Seventy-one years later…we gather again because the lynching of Black people did not end…[with] Emmett Till," said McMillan.

[…]

The civil rights leader said the community is demanding transparency, adding, "What the families deserve are answers to three deaths that are suspicious…the failure of the justice system to adequately respond is what we raise in a march like this."

McMillan said Black Americans overall are witnessing a "modern-day lynching of our rights." He lamented, "We're seeing voting rights stripped away and democracy being harder to access. We're seeing diversity, equity, and inclusion being dismantled in front of our eyes."

Before leading Friday's march from the Lincoln Memorial to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Rev. Sharpton called out the Trump administration and those he said are working to "pervert the dream" that King fought so hard to achieve. He declared, "The dream is still alive," even as Black communities experience setbacks."...

****
EXAMPLES OF SOME CHANTS FROM THE 2026 MARCH ON WASHINGTON
(as heard in the YouTube video that is showcased in this pancocojams post:) *

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NF39BlZKZwg )

These chants are numbered for referencing purposes only.

1. call: "Who has the power?"

response: "We have the power".

**
2. call: "Show me what democracy looks like."

response: "This is what democracy looks like."

**
3. call: "Ain't no power like the power of the people 
'cause the power of the people don't stop."

response- "Say what?"

**
4. call: "Whose streets?"

response: "Our streets."
 
**
5. call: "When I say Breanna you say Taylor. Breanna!

response:  Taylor!

call: "When I say "George" you say Floyd. George!

response: Floyd!
-snip-
This chant is about those Black people who have died in the last ten years or so at the hands of United States policemen

**
6. call: "No justice!"

Response: "No peace!"

**
7. call: "Justice!"

response: "Now!"

call: "If we don't get it"

response: " Shut it down!"

**
8.  "Save the vote!"


*These are only the chants that I could decipher. There were other chants whose words I couldn't decipher. 

Additions and corrections are welcome.

****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.