Acholi (Luo) Traditional Dancing (Uganda)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post features seven videos of Ugandan Acholi (Luo) music and dancing.

[Revised January 9, 2016 to add information about Acholi and to add two videos because the previously elected videos were no longer available.]

The content of this post are presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos, those who are quoted in this post, the video producers, and the publishers of these videos on YouTube.

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACHOLI
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acholi_people
"Acholi (also Acoli) is a Luo Nilotic ethnic group from Northern Uganda (an area commonly referred to as Acholiland), including the districts of Agago, Amuru, Gulu, Kitgum, Nwoya, Lamwo, and Pader; and Magwe County in South Sudan. Approximately 1.17 million Acholi were counted in the Uganda census of 2002, and 45,000 more were living in South Sudan in 2000.[1]

...Its current population is estimated to be around 600,000 individuals, or four per cent of the total national population.[4] While Acholi also live north of the South Sudanese border, the Sudanese Acholi are often excluded from the political meaning of the term "Acholiland"...

The word 'Acholi' is a misnomer that became adopted for convenience over the years. It refers to people known locally as Luo Gang. That is why the Lango neighbours refer to the Acholi as Ugangi, meaning people of the home."

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FEATURED VIDEOS
These videos are presented in chronological order based on the year that they were posted on YouTube with the oldest videos given first.

Example #1: Luo Cultural Dance Part 4 of 15



Edpiloya, Uploaded on Mar 29, 2008

Another Clip from the LuoTube (www.luomusicdistributors.com/videos). Luo Cultural Dance video called (Acholi Ki Ker Megi). Captured Live
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Here's a comment from this video;s viewer comment thread. WARNING: Some comments on this video’s discussion thread contain profanity and sexually explicit language.
Kphilj, 2008
I love Luo traditional music and dance... Absolutely superb! Please never let this music and traditions disappear!!!

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Example #2: Luo Traditional Dancers (Susana's Wedding) - acholinetwork.com



edpiloya, Uploaded on May 13, 2010
Great music video done at a wedding ceremony by Geoffrey Twongweno. This video is taken from the latest album compiled with over 30 songs by Geoffrey. The video will be available for sale on Acholinetwork.com. Visit so you don't miss out.

Selected comments from this video's viewer comment thread:
susanKalokwera, 2010
"I knew this song was called IRENE SUSANA but when i searched for it they said that there is know such thing as a song called IRENE SUSANA!"

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Pentracy, 2011
"Wao the source of the Nilotic Group was in Sudan and were 3 groups according to my P3 history the river lake LUO, plain and highland. And that's how Luo settled to shore of Lake victoria because they were farmers and fishermen and we have Luo in UG/Kenya, Tz and Ethiopia. somebody can correct/add if i missed something out"

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Imelda O, 2013
in reply to pentracy
"Actually 4 groups not 3 and nilotes are a much larger group of different tribes with similar characteristics. The luo were divided into the jokajok, jokowiny,jokomollo,luo abasuba, where as the migration groups were nilotes, cushites,bantus and semites."

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Alfredo Bucko1, 2013
"all of you are really wonderful,lovely luo bros and sisters. by the way we have luo people in ethiopia too they too have beautiful music .the anyuak luo of ethiopia check it out too.for those of you who did not understand the words .the song is just about how worthy the bride is in simple terms.apwoyo matek."

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Example #3: Jahria Okwera (Bila Pa Lukwiya)



DirePRwotAwich Uploaded on Aug 25, 2010

The horn of Lukwiya.
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Here’s a comment from this video’s discussion thread:
Peter Muroyi, 2013
the tune and dance is very much like that of the shangaan of South Africa... great

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Example #4: Mwel Bwola (Acholi Royal Dance)

Embedding disabled by request.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpYzQknU7AI

Te Kal Acholi, Uploaded on Oct 17, 2010

This Acholi traditional dance is performed to welcome and entertain Achoil royalty Rwot (King)

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Example #5: Dances of Acholi: Ajere.mp4



johannesfilm83, Published on Mar 12, 2012

Ajere - the traditional way of flirtation. The Ajere is one of the less known dances of Acholi. It is a courtship dance. Meaning that this dance would give an opportunity for young Acholis to demonstrate their interest in a potential partner. David Opio is the leader of the Ker Kal Kwaro Acholi Cultural Group that you see in this video.

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Example #6: Racheal & Eric Traditional Wedding Song



Eric Gechure, Published on Oct 9, 2012

Traditional Acholi wedding between Racheal Aye and Eric Gechure

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Example #7: Acholi Dancing in Rackoko, Pader district, Uganda - IMG 0076



Geoff Walker, Published on Oct 6, 2013

Traditional dancing at the celebration of a chief Francis Odida
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Here are two comments from this video’s discussion thread:
Gibbs Jakatiga, 2014
"Us Luo-Kenya we've lost a lot of that beautiful Luo culture."

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Twon Dako, 2014
“If ur listening to and watching this video and u had not heard the Acholi signature drum beat thru-out the song/video, then the lady in black and red behind the lady in green at time 1:45 definitely draws your attention to that signature. Its the only reason I watch this video and I watch it over and over and over and over...like every flipping day...I wish the camera had focussed more on her....And then when she finishes that particular dance style she turns around as if nothing just happened-but you can also hear her saying "Ah! "I really enjoyed that one!"

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Ugandan Singer Dr Phoebe Abe - "Oprah" & "Naomi Campbell" (Acholi Songs & Dances)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases two songs by Dr Phoebe Abe. Both of these songs refer to two Acholi (Luo) females, one who is named after a Black female celebrity from the United States and one who is named after a Black female from the United Kingdom.

This post provides some information about Dr. Phoebe Abe's foundation and also includes selected comments from these YouTube videos' discussion thread.

The content of this post are presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

I'm particularly interested in the dances that are shown in these videos, and especially in the females dancing while balancing a number of clay pots on their head.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Dr. Phoebe Abe for singing these songs. Thanks also to all those who are featured in these videos, those who are quoted in this post, the video producers, and the publishers of these videos on YouTube.

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INFORMATION ABOUT DR. ABE'S FOUNDATION
From http://www.drabefoundation.com/
"The primary aim of The DR ABE FOUNDATION is to support young people, especially single mothers and widows, by investing in their education and empowering them.

Acholi Heart Beat [AHB] is a dancing, singing, acting and performing charity organization founded by Dr. Phoebe Arach Abe Okwonga, (a medical practitioner in Great Britain) in July 2003.The members consist of students who are mostly orphans, teachers and villagers (people living in internally displaced peoples camps)."...

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FEATURED VIDEOS
Dr Phoebe Abe (Oprah)



DirePRwotAwich, Uploaded on Aug 22, 2010

Oprah has chosen to marry Akem
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Selected comments from this video's viewer comment thread. These comments are presented in chronological order based on the year that they were posted to this discussion thread with the oldest comments posted first.

From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtySH2CHImw

Mary W Goler, 2012
"This is one of my favorites. I love the way Luo tribe people dance and this song guaranteed to leave you smile. Simple things make happy. Please, comment if you like it"
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Note: The Acholis are also called "Luos".

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ric ricland, 2012
"Could someone provide some background infomation? Who are these people? What country, etc?"

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in reply to ric ricland
jauze2, 2012
"they look like the acholi tribe of south sudan but originally from northern uganda judging by the colors of their feathers(ugandan country colors). its a nice song."

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in reply to ric ricland

CELEBRATING AFRICA, 2012
"@ricland these are acholis from northeren uganda "

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Micah Kenyi, 2013
"This is very traditional, enticing and reflects more of the cultures of the people of South Sudan. Brings into memory the richness of the traditional culture that is embedded in the people's culture in South Sudan. Also reminds me in particular of the bye gone days of my venture and journey into Uganda attracted by................. Oh, yes those beautiful moments"

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OpioChris, 2013
in reply to delagrazia
"I know this area very well; the clothing is traditional, but the tune is synthetic. The local instruments do not sound like these ones. The women are performing in a traditional way."

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Susan Go-Deos, 2013
"I love everything about this video but it's not a fair play. More focus on Akem's happiness and how Oprah should do all to make Akem happy- Where do you put Oprah's happiness??? There is a missing link with the current situation where culture is dynamic. - A woman deserves happiness as well. I know there many women who will agree with me in this part of the world. Great dance though.&

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Example #2: Dr Abe tribute to Naomi Campbell



Wilson Okwonga, Published on Apr 9, 2012

Acholi from Northern Uganda
Acholi Heartbeat dancers
Performing:Carrying Traditional clay pots of Acholi people
Larakaraka dance (youth dance)
Naomi is wearing Ceno traditional outfit
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Here are two comments Selected comments from this video's viewer comment thread.
MUSE93, 2012
"Nice. It's incredible how the girls can carry those clay pots. Great video"

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Wilson Okwonga, 2013
in reply to annalarosa
"Thank you very much Much appreciated by those children in the Northern Uganda they lived all their lives in the camps They will be happy to know that you appreciate their efforts."

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