Sibhaca dancing in Swaziland

The vigourous 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. 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.

The yearly Independence celebrations in Lobamba 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 vigourously. 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 diffrerent parts of the country: an opportunity for local groups to show their dances. Young and old, they dance with great enthusiasm.

	Boys' dance	Men's sibhaca	Precision dancing	Boys in action
	Boy's solo dance	Father and son	Men's dance	National Team
	Action dance	Young men's group	Boys group	Sibhaca dance

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