It is time for another Rhythm Through Diversity, a fun musical trivia section, where Metronome Online explores music through the development of cultural and social etiquette, history, and background of people in diverse communities. There is a multitude of rhythms and styles of music worldwide, as much as there is a multitude of cultures everywhere. Gear up and let’s explore Indlamu, a folkloric dance originating in South Africa.

An upbeat and vibrant tribal dance, this tradition from Zulu tribes of South Africa and Northern Ndebele tribe of Western Zimbabwe is a ‘war’ dance often showcased in ceremonies and festivities. The dance shows a dancer lifting their foot over their head, lowering it down quickly, dropping sometimes backwards, always falling directly on the downbeat. The duel-like routines are performed to the beats of the drum, while wearing typical warrior uniforms. These uniforms are made out of animal skin, called ‘amabeshu’, head rings, rattles around the ankles, belts, and typically a weapon, such as a spear or shield.

The usual instrumentation in the Indlamu is a simple one–various types of drums and whistles are used to create a strong sensation of energetic beats. Let’s take a look at what this amazing dance routine looks like when performed by true experts!