Edited by Azizi Powell
"i love these videos,could someone explain the meaning of the
dance, please?"
**
Reply
2.@NONDUDUZONGIDI, 2020
"pinehillrd478 it is a traditional Zulu dance performed by
men. It is usually performed at traditional ceremonies, weddings and other
celebrations."
**
Reply
@andilezondi9294, 2021
"Songs are made up of any situation, could be heartbreak,
poor working conditions or love. It's a very creative form of art, most songs
are rehearsed and are just perfected at the event, current economic situations
are never left out. Super proud to be Zulu. Thanks ๐๐๐๐๐"
**
Reply
@khulekanibravemangumede2914, 2022
"It is called 'UKUSINA'"
**
Reply
@nhlanhlanzimande4001, 2024
"@andilezondi9294, You are spot on"
****
SOURCE #2
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Va7q6K3yEK8
[female Ukusina group]
1. @antoinettekankindi6807, 2024
"Beautiful... Greetings from Kenya... Please explain the
meaning of falling down... And why the other dancers rush"
**
Reply
2. @MemoryMahlangu, 2024
"It's a style"
**
Reply
3. @zakhelembhele7046, 2024
"No significant meaning to falling. It is just believed
that it's the best way to finish the dance and makes it nicer. But they can
still do it without falling."
****
SOURCE #3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnLzST8wm_o
(male ukusina group)
"I admire the rhythm and energy in the dance. I wish i could
get a translation of the song in English so that i can understand the context
of the dance and background information
to help me train my high school
students to practice the dance and present it for a music competition under the
class " Folk songs from the rest of Africa"
**
Reply
2. @embo_films, 2024
"Warn these people, they’ve got weapons, we’re in this
country for money."
**
Reply
3. @ngcobothulasizweian, 2024
"These guys are staying in a hostel and are in the city for
money. Most or most of them are from the rural areas. So the name of the song
'We are here for the money'. Hope I make sense"
**
Reply
4. @levinamaseb6975, 2024
"They sing they are the foundation of future
liberation"
**
5. @Sophia-x4q, 2024
"@8:00 is fantastic. Just gorgeous! Sweet. To most people
this cultural dance might seem
monotonous (repetitive, boring, lacking in variety). But if you grasp
that they are dancing with their MINDS you can never stop watching it. I am
hooked!! Badly hooked. Just think about how much physical energy goes into the
repetitive stumping, lifting hands and legs so high each time. And then they
still have to concentrate on the lyrics and sing it. Your body parts cannot move
without your MIND. Your brain has to process the move first before you actually
do it. I can even see their level of concentration in the MIND. Whenever I
watch them, I am actually concentration and watching their MINDS. I don't see
their body...If you know what I mean..... Thank you for sharing this culture
with the world. its unique. My boyfriend @
@8:00 takes it to another level. I can see his mind from here in Canada❤❤❤❤❤❤
****
SOURCE #4
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArHXtzTyClA "Zulu traditional
dance by Izintombi", published by PURE AFRICAN, Aug 11, 2021 [female ukusina group]
1. @Lyrseathingy, 2022
"Interesting. But what does this dance mean tho? Is it the
stumping."
**
Reply
2. @Pure_African,2022
"It's Zulu dance, that's how it's done"
**
3. @erickoduor4533, 2022
"Beautiful culture maintained to date. But why are they
raising their legs to the sky?"
**
Reply
4. @Pure_African, 2022
"Thank you Erick, that's the dance, it's called ukusina.
Please like our videos and subscribe to our channel."
**
5. @venktesh6600, 2022
"Why is the Leg raising is so predominant.. ??
probably ancestors found some intrinsic health benefit out
of this step??"
**
Reply
6. @Pure_African, 2022
"Yes maybe, I can tell you that you get really tired after
doing that dance."
**
7. @abubakarisadiqueibrahim481, 2022
"I will go to South Africa to witness it myself."
**
Reply
8. @Pure_African, 2022
"Thanks Ibrahim, we do perform for visitors during the
festive season . Please like our videos and subscribe to our channel."
**
9. @Bigdaddyketchup9915, 2022
"Is this training for a contest or what?"
**
Reply
10, @Pure_African, 2022
"Yes It's training. Here is the link for a competition
performance: https://youtu.be/-uQyuujVluQ.
****
SOURCE #5
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrrUbBEBodI&t=631s "Team Orange ๐| Cweshe | Inqobo nje
makulale kudlabantwana | Intombi emhlophe | shoti | kaZondi 21/4" published by Embo Films, Apr 23, 2024
MZINYATI [female ukusina group]
(All these comments are from 2024.)
1. @hardworkingdiva
"Beautiful! This gave me chills. The Global Auntie delegation
approves! I pray each generation continues to keep traditions alive while
adding their beautiful contributions. Many blessings on everyone."
**
2. @pryme8107
"My dumb ass though they were kicking too
hard and falling cuz of it. Took me to the third person to realize this part of
it"
**
3. @warsports9289
"whats the second song called?
(ehkaya) what are the full lyrics??"
**
Reply
4. @embo_films
"I’m up and down in the hostel assisting
the workers, as long as the children are asleep and fed…"
**
Reply
5. @warsports9289
"@embo_films
what are the lyrics in that language? The normal language"
**
Reply
6. @embo_films
" @warsports9289
ngehla ngenyuka eHostela ngihambe ngwashela abasebenzayo.. Inqobo nje
makulale kudle abantwana.. aknalutho ekhaya…. Ekhaya kubhekwemina…"
-snip-
Google translation to English given automatically in that discussion thread:
"@warsports9289 I went up and down the
Hostel and went to do laundry for the workers.. As long as the children sleep
and eat.. there is nothing at home.... At home I'm being watched..."
**
7. @JoviaBea
"Which country is this"
**
Reply
8. @dineomolapo9934
"South Africa ❤ Zulu people kzn province ๐"
**
9. @rodwellcort7503
"I'd love to know what's going on, if
anyone out there can translate the words and interpret the dance. But this is
so beautiful"
**
Reply
10. @zainarbtemitope7812
"This is a tribe called Zulu in south
Africa and that is their Culture dane"
**
Reply
11. @dineomolapo9934
"I will try ๐ these are cultural
groups they make dance festivals and their main objectives is to encourage
young people to abstain from sex alcohol and reckless life ๐ most are university students and
high school kids going back to basics of purity and Zulu life style where
family/ community and marriage are the corner Stone of society.. English is not
my first language I hope I tried."
**
Reply
12. @TheSakredGodis
"@dineomolapo9934 this was a great explanation
and added to my perspective of these cultural dances. Thank you"
**
13. @DavidGreen-oc4nv
"What's the purpose of the leg kicks? I don't understand"
**
Reply
14. @katiem82850
"The same purpose as stepping to the left in a two step. What
do you mean? It's a dance"
**
Reply
15. @DavidGreen-oc4nv
"@katiem82850 just
curious"
**
Reply
16. @Wealthy_Iam
" @DavidGreen-oc4nv are you meant to understand Zulu
culture? Its like saying I don't understand the Scottish bag pipes sincr its an
instrument i am not familiar with. You ask in a very weird way but I get it yiu
mean well and want to learn."
**
17. @sunilarogers1430
"Can someone explain what all is happening here? PLEASEE??"
**
Reply
18. @kaibuu3968
"No just watch it"
**
19. @earthn1447
"This is stunning! Thank you so much for sharing this
- I’m fascinated and only 2:30 in!"
**
20. @SB18TH
"Not sure what I was watching, but .. WoW!! I really enjoyed
it ๐"
**
Reply
21. @HyunsReport
"It’s a traditional dance I think, also I thought the
falling was mistake but I think it’s part of the dance ๐
"
**
22. @AfrocentrikQueen
"Ugh I miss home. This just had me in a zone ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐งก๐๐งก๐๐๐พ
job well done! So beautifully done."
**
23. @oceansofthoughts8712
"I would love to understand this tradition. so beautiful"
**
24. @giftyafful3863
"I learnt this in sociology and I love to watch … how the
culture is so rich and beautiful"
25. @aquariusstar7248
"Thank you for sharing the Zulu culture here❤❤"
**
26. @aleli5105
"You are on fire..what an impressive performance. Lifting one
leg at the time at that speed and high is very difficult. You make it look so
easy! Talented ladies.❤"
**
27. @easttimorpinetwork.3580
"I love them all team ornge"
**
28. @apollo6154
"The culture will not die! It is already being passed over to
young children. See the two little girls dancing!"
**
29. @tubasungod
"I love these harmonies."
**
30. @TchemongoCoulibaly
"It’s magnificent ๐ฅฐBig love from Ivory
Coast๐"
**
31. @jacobbaya4420
"Wow! Rich African culture ❤❤❤❤"
**
32. @CaraDees
"I wish I knew what the singing was about at the
beginning.... how she starts everyone...."
**
33. @cynthiandlovu3391
"Team orange ๐ bafethu niyayibulala
ingoma"
-snip-
Google translate from Zulu to English:"Team orange ๐ guys, you kill the song"
**
34. @lutherreid8671
"Amazing ๐๐ฝ๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฏ❤️"
**
35. @corsicolette9143
"IMPRESSIONNANTES MAGNIFIQUES"
**
36. @nathanpoaty9480
"Vraiment trรจs beau ๐ ❤"
**
37. @GlennMatrex83
"ะะตะฒะพะทะผะพะถะฝะพ ะณะปะฐะท ะพัะพัะฒะฐัั, ัะฐะบะฐั ัะบัะฟัะตััะธั! ะะตะฒะตัะพััะฝัะน
ัะฐะฝะตั.❤❤❤
-snip-
Google automatic translate from Russian to English:
"It’s impossible to take your eyes off, such expression!
Incredible dance.❤❤❤"
**
38. @moniquegossoh1178
"I love this dance so much ❤ "
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
After initially publishing this post earlier on January 10, 2025, around 9:30 PM EST on that same day I looked at my recommend page of YouTube videos and saw this video of a combined male and female group: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Srr4qM8LVME "Mgijimi Abanini bengoma | Umbuso Wamaciko | zithelwe ngezibonkolo | Ithwala umboko wayo ndlovu" published by Embo Films, September 20, 2024 DURBAN.
ReplyDeleteThe group identified in a caption in the video is
Umbuso Wamaciko, The video shows them performing outdoors at an annual South African folk festival called Maskandi.
Click ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maskandi for information about South Africa's Maskandi festival. Also click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx0cNNeWheI for the YouTube video "Heritage Month | Maskandi Festival published by SABC News, September 22, 2024 : Umbuso Wamaciko".
In that video a spokesperson for Umbuso Wamaciko talks about the purpose of the group in bringing people with different heritages and beliefs together.
Was combining male and female ukusina performers together something that was only done for that event, or is it something that is being done at other times by that group and/or by other groups beyond that day of that festival?
Here's a lengthy excerpt from Wikipedia's page on Ukusina:
ReplyDeletehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukusina
"Ukusina is a type of traditional dance that has its roots in South Africa's coastal region.[1] For the Zulu people, it is an expressive and rhythmic dance form with deep cultural importance. The Ukusina[2] requires dancers to kick their legs in any direction up and out, and then stamp each foot into the ground. The majority of the time, this dance is performed for entertainment during social occasions such as wedding ceremony.[3] Ukusina dances, as a result, are socially created and center on the song leader singing interlocking word phrases.[4] Traditionally, it was thought that no religious event would be complete without at least one ukusina dance performance. Ukusina dance is a fundamental component of the social, religious, and cultural life of the Zulu people,[5] as evidenced by the descriptions of traditional dances in South Africa.[2] Everyone in attendance is drawn into a coherent action atmosphere by the intimate relationship between body movement and music.[6]
Etymology
Zulu, a language used by the Zulu people of South Africa, is where the phrase "Ukusina Dance" comes from. The word "Ukusina" has a rich connotation and captures the ethereal nature of this traditional dance style. "Ukusina" means "dance of the spirits" in Zulu. The verb "sina," the source of the word, means "to dance." The prefix "uku-" is added to signify that the action, in this case, dancing, is being performed or is in the process of being performed.[7][8]
It is notable that the word "Ukusina" was chosen to describe this specific dance form. It emphasizes both the ceremonial aspect of the performance as well as the tight ties between the dance and the spiritual world. It implies that the dance is a way for people to contact and communicate with their ancestors.[8]
History
The Zulu people, one of the largest ethnic groups in South Africa, have a significant influence on the history of Ukusina dance. The dance has been passed down through the years mostly through oral traditions, although the specifics of its origins are not well-documented. Zulu traditional practices included Ukusina dance from the beginning, which dates back several centuries. It developed as a way to communicate with the supernatural world and ask the ancestors for their blessings and direction. The dance is a potent means of communication with these spirits for the Zulu people, who have a profound belief in the influence and presence of their ancestors in their daily lives.[citation needed]
[to be continued in my next comment]
[continuation of the excerpt of the Wikipedia page on Ukusina]
ReplyDeletehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukusina
"The Ukusina Dance has retained its cultural importance for the Zulu people over time. This traditional dance style has been preserved and promoted to ensure its survival in the face of modernization and cultural changes. Ukusina Dance has found a home on stages during cultural celebrations and events like the Zulu Reed Dance. These events give communities a chance to come together and celebrate their customs while also giving the younger generations a chance to learn about and respect their cultural heritage. Additionally, several dance groups and cultural institutions committed to upholding Zulu customs have taken on the duty of performing and instructing Ukusina Dance. These programs are designed to guarantee the dance form's survival and increased popularity, both domestically and internationally. Ukusina dance is still a vital component of Zulu's cultural identity today. It is evidence of the rich culture and traditions of the Zulu people and represents their tenacity, cohesion, and respect for their ancestors.[citation needed]
Dance movements and techniques
A vast variety of moves and techniques are used in Ukusina Dance, which is done with tremendous dexterity and vigor. The "induna," a competent dancer who sets the pace and directs the other dancers, usually leads the dance. The motions used in Ukusina dance are frequently symbolic and depict different facets of daily life and Zulu culture. They involve active footwork, powerful kicks, hops, and deft hand movements. The dancers frequently move in line or circular patterns while keeping time with the music and rhythm. The dancers exhibit agility, strength, and grace throughout their performance, which is distinguished by their dynamic and energetic nature. The dance's basis is laid by the rhythmic beat of traditional Zulu drums, which is complemented by other percussion instruments and heightens the dance's vivacious and alluring ambiance.[4]"...
While I appreciate Wikipedia's page on Ukusina, it should be noted that its information doesn't completely match the YouTube videos that are available about that performance art form. For example, Wikipedia indicates that "The dance's basis is laid by the rhythmic beat of traditional Zulu drums, which is complemented by other percussion instruments"... However, there were no drums for the performances in a number of the YouTube videos that I watched. Often there were whistles and horn type instruments, or no musical instruments at all except for hand clapping and foot stomping.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I found it interesting that that Wikipedia article didn't mention the high leg lifts that most dancers (male or female) perform and also didn't mention the dancers (apparently) purposely falling on their butt to end their performances. Are these modern additions to that dance?