Photos of Sibhaca dancing in Swaziland

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Sibhaca dancing in Swaziland

The vigorous warrior's dances known as "Sibhaca" are very popular in Swaziland and there are few festivities where the sound of the large drums,the clapping of blocks of wood and the singing that accompanies these energetic dances is not heard.

Young men's Sibhaca
 
Sibhaca in Mafutseni
 
Boys' Sibhaca dance
 
Boys' dance
 
Men's dance
 
Swazi Sibhaca
 
Men's Sibhaca
 
Accompaniment Sibhaca
 
Falling to the ground
 
Energetic dancing
 
Enthusiastic Sibhaca dance
 
Precision dancing
 
Young sibhaca group
 
Boys in action
 
Sibhaca in Motjane
 
Sikhondze's dance
 
Father and son
 
Boy's solo dance
 
Boy dancers
 
Father and son dance
 
Boys' Sibhaca group
 
Ready to perform
 
Young solo dancer
 
Dancing at St. Marks
 
Boys' Sibhaca
 
Little boy's solo dance
 
Boys' Sibhaca group
 
Falling after dance
 
Men's dance group
 
Sibhaca at St. Marks
 
National Sibhaca group
 
Sibhaca group
 
National Group performs
 
National Sibhaca performance
 
Zulu dancers
 
Group getting ready
 
Sibhaca dancing
 
Action dance
 
Sibhaca in Manzini
 
Young men's group
 
Boys Sibhaca group
 
Young Sibhaca dance group
 
Sibhaca in Mbabane
 
Vigorous stamping
 
Dancing solo
 
Vigorous stamping
 
Gama's solo Sibhaca
 
Vigorous Sibhaca solo
 

There are many groups in the country, of all ages, all with distinct costumes. They compete against each other: when different groups perform, they will be a judged on the style and precision with which they dance. It may be just for fun or during festivities; they may practice for the dance competitions that are often held as part of festivities like the Independence commemorations or the King's Birthday celebrations.

Those celebrations nearly always finish with lively Sibhaca dance competitions. The dancers move in unison, singing, brandishing their sticks and to the beat of the drums they lift their feet high and stamp vigorously. The dance always ends when on the last beat they all fall down: a fate they wish on their enemies. There are also local Independence celebrations and the King's Birthday celebrations, held in different parts of the country: an opportunity for local groups to show their dances. Young and old, they dance with great enthusiasm.

Swazi culture being such an important part of life, it is not surprising to see youngsters practising, carefully coached by the older people. So there are performances by school kids aiming to reach the same skill as, for example, the Swaziland National Team who give their massive and impressive performances during official festivities, dressed in kilts with the colours of the National Flag.

See also: Video of Sibhaca Dancing.