Somali Cultural Dances

Najib Abdi,

July 10, 2024

About and copyright

This guide on Somali Cultural Dances aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Somali people. The included videos are used from original content creators for educational and illustrative purposes. The use of these videos does not imply ownership, and no infringement is intended.

Somali culture is renowned for its deep-rooted traditions in poetry, oral history, and cultural dances that trace back through ancient times. In this post you will learn more about the various Somali cultural dances that are performed.

Dhaqankeena waa dahab

Dhaanto

Dhaanto originated in Dowlad Deegaanka Somalida and is the most popular dance performed at nearly every Somali festive occasion. Inspired by the camel, the dance mimics the animal's movements. It was revived during the early 20th-century Dervish period, where it served to boost the morale of soldiers and was frequently sung on horseback. The dance holds deep ties to the Ogaden clan.

Saylici

Saylici originated in the town of Zeila in northern Somalia. Initially an Islamic chant, it gradually evolved into a dance. The lyrics, largely Islamic in nature, have remained unchanged for centuries. The dance is closely associated with the Samaroon (Gidabursi) clan.

Jaandheer

Jaandheer, meaning "big leap" or "step," originated in Northern Somalia. It is commonly performed at Somali weddings and festive occasions.

Hari Made

Hari Made, also known as the warrior dance, is performed across Djibouti, Northern Somalia, and the Somali Region. While it is danced in these regions, it is embraced and practiced by all Somalis.

Gobilay

Gobilay originates from Southern Somalia and is primarily associated with the Marehan clan of the Daarood. However, it is also popular among other Somali communities and is performed during festive occasions.

Sharax

Sharax originates from Southern Somalia, particularly in the capital city of Mogadishu. This dance is similar to a Yemeni dance and likely made its way to Somalia through Yemeni-Somali interactions.

Walisaqo

Walisaqo originates from the Central and Hiiran regions of Somalia. This folk dance is traditionally performed by pastoralists during festivals, in times of abundant rain, and with hopes for prosperous agriculture and livestock. It is also a popular dance at weddings and other joyful occasions.

Shirib

Shirib is a lively and rhythmic Somali dance, popular in South and Central Somalia, including regions like Middle Shabelle, Hiiran, and Galgaduud. It features short verse compositions and coordinated steps, performed during gatherings, family meetings, and celebrations. Shirib may also be linked to Istunka, reflecting its deep cultural roots.

Buraanbur

Baranbur is a poetic form within traditional Somali poetry. It is usually composed by women. This traditional Somali art form is often recited with drums and paired with a dance. It is commonly performed at weddings and other gatherings.

Shabal

Shabal is danced in Southern Somalia.

Waalo

The term Waalo simply means "Go crazy". It's played in South, and Central Somalia.

Galeyso

The dance is renowned for its prominence among the Mareexaan clan. Men, adorned with traditional double-edged knives called Abley, form a semi-circle. A group of 7 to 9 dancers then moves rhythmically toward the center of the semi-circle, stomping in unison with the beat.

Saar or Diisow

"Saar" is a traditional dance performed in the southern regions of Somalia, particularly in Jubaland or Waamo. It holds significant cultural importance among clans such as the Mareexaan, Gaaljecel, Raxaweyn, Wardey, and others.

Shabley

Shabley is a dance played by women in Southern regions of Somalia.

Niiko

"Niiko" is a dance performed in Southern Somalia, Lower Shabele, Middle Shabelle, Banadir, and Bay & Bakool.

Kabeebeey

"Kabeebeey" is a dance performed in Lower Shabele, Middle Shabelle, Banadir, and Bay & Bakool.

Beerrey

"Beerrey" is a dance performed in South West (Koonfur galbeed) and Baydhaba.

Boorsakeen

"Boorsakeen" simply mean "Bring a bag" inside the bag includes gold, clothes and gifts for the newlywed. Its performed in Southern Somalia, and Banadir.

Maleeleey

"Maleeleey" is a dance performed in South West (Koonfur galbeed).

Balaqleey

"Balaqleey" is a dance performed in North eastern kenya, beesha dogoodiya & Southern Ethiopia.

Sharara

"Sharara" is a traditional dance performed in Southern Somalia, particularly by the Somali Bantu.

Sedaxleey

"Sedaxleey" simply refers to "Three times" consist of three people per group and is played in Northern Somalia.

Baarcade

"Baarcade" is played in Northern Somalia.

Hirwaa

"Hirwa" is a dance performed in Djibouti.

Batar

This is one of the most popular dance forms amongs the somali pastoralists. The term means "Talkative" which reflects the rich variety of forms both men and women dance together or separately.

Wilwilo

Wilwilo is a traditional folk dance performed by Somali pastoralists in the northwestern regions of Somalia and Djibouti. It is characterized by dancers wielding spears and shields, while the leader carries a dagger, reflecting its origins as a war dance. Today, Wilwilo is performed during special occasions.

Ceerigaabo

Ceerigaabo is a renowned entertainment dance named after the capital of the region where it originated. It is so widely cherished that people of all ages and social standings participate in it. The dance masters are held in high regard, and it is performed during all joyful occasions.

Haybarra

Haybarra is a competitive dance featuring a duel between two youths, each vying for leadership of the group and the affection of the most beautiful girl. After several rounds, one participant emerges victorious, claiming both leadership and the girl.

Gammanyo

It is a modern festive dance particulatly performee on wedding occasions. Even though it is only a recent introduction it has-become a popular entertainment all over the country. The dance was composed by'the National ‘Theatre Agency.

One of the oldest folk dances, performed by all irrespetive of sex: It is staged in good times of good rain for agriculture.

Soogur

Soogur is a modern theatrical dance designed to promote agricultural productivity and encourage self-reliance among the people.

Dawladamiin

Dawladamiin is a popular entertainment dance performed by youth during leisure time. It follows a strict set of rules that the performing teams must adhere to. The name "Dawladamiin" is an abbreviation of "Dawley," meaning "a simpleton should not be treated like a gentleman."

Istun

Istun is a dance-battle where two groups face off, using small sticks that cause no serious injuries. This tradition is part of the New Year celebrations. Historically, it was surrounded by superstitions and myths, with the belief that failing to hold the event could bring misfortune, including poor crop yields, famine, and difficulties in bearing sons.

Awbatiikhow

Awbatiikhow is a folk dance named after the "melon" fruit, which Somalis enjoy for its vibrant colors, aroma, and digestive benefits. This romantic dance is performed to praise girls, with the soloist celebrating the beauty of his beloved through poetry, likening her qualities to the desirable attributes of the melon.