Malipenga Traditional Dance, performed by Tonga people from Nkhata Bay, Malawi

This is Malipenga, a traditional dance performed by the Tonga people from Nkhata Bay, Malawi. It is a localised version of the military parade. The performance troupes are called maboma if many and boma if one. This dance is normally performed by men during school holidays in August and September. But as you will see, women now also join in. The women’s dance version is called Chilimika, performed from New Year’s Day. Men play a minor role in that dance, as support team, normally playing the drums and supporting female singers.

This particular performance took place by invitation on 27 December 2020. There were five maboma. I have selected three from the better videos I shot with my ifone: Lokolo from TA Malanda in Chintheche, Spechi from Mpanda in Chifira, and Father Lion from Msondozi/Chiperembe. Kwe manyanda kwido, enjoy!