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ABSTRACT
Dance, commonly seen as the art of rhythmical movements of the body, is actually a vehicle to project ideas, be it social, cultural, or even political, particularly among the Hausas in Northern Nigeria. Previous studies of Hausa Koroso Dance have focused mainly on its aesthetics, while little cognizance has been given to the interpretative roles of the dance. This article examines the interpretative roles that dance plays in social milieu amongst the Hausas, and establishes how dance can be employed to interpret social and political ideas. Hausa Koroso Dance is identified as a form of total theatre called Kalankuwa. The dance (or dance-drama) is used to critique the ruling dynasties. In its economic role, it is performed to facilitate work by rhythmical execution of work-movements with musical accompaniments. Koroso Dancers ridicule socially unacceptable behaviours through carefully executed mimetic dance movements. Hausa Koroso Dance typifies the interpretative roles that dance, as an aesthetic practice, can play in contributing to societal progress and development.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1. Respondents (dancers) were randomly selected in each location. Consent of the respondents was sought before the interview sessions in all the six states.
2. Maza wanyin Kasuwa: Market strollers.
3. Yan Gambara: Special musicians who praise people of a certain group.
4. Yan Kana: Musicians who make people laugh.
5. Yan Dabo Dabo: Local magicians / platters.
6. Wasan Sarki: Play for the rulers.
7. Me Wasan Dambe: Boxer players.
8. Yan Hoto: Dance where social events are reflected.
9. Kirari: Praise of one’s self.
10. Gangan: A big Hausa drum.
11. Masu rawar hoto: Yan hoto dancers.
12. Kazagi: A small Hausa drum.
13. Garma/Galma: A traditional hoe.
14. Dekaa: A musical instrument.
15. Kamantawa ko Siffantawa: A vivid description.
16. Makera: The blacksmiths.
17. Wasan Meyanka: Butchers’ play.
18. Sarkin Mota: The head of dancers.
19. At the performance, efforts were made to promote popular Hausa songs suitable for the occasion.
20. Sabo: Hausa settlement in Ibadan.
21. Sasa: Hausa settlement in Ibadan.
22. Alausa: A location for the Hausas in Lagos.
23. Onimalu: A place for the Hausas in Lagos where cattle are sold.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Olumuyiwa A. Akande
Olumuyiwa A. Akande I hold a Doctorate Degree in Tourism Development from the University of Ibadan and I am currently a Research Fellow and Postgraduate Teacher at the Tourism and Development Programme of the University. With backgrounds in Entertainment, Cultural Studies and Indigenous Innovation, I have been able to demonstrate, through research, the roles indigenous knowledge plays in social development.