Cameroon
In Cameroon, dance is an integral part of tradition, religion and socialization. There are more than 200 traditional dances in Cameroon, each associated with a different event or situation. Colonial authorities and Christian missionaries discouraged indigenous dances, viewing them as a threat to security and as pagan remnants. However, after the independence of Cameroon, the government recognizes traditional dance as an integral part of the national culture and then takes measures to preserve it.
Traditional dances follow strict choreography and group dancers by age, occupation, gender or social status, among other factors. Some dances require special costumes and accessories such as masks or fans. Dance plays a central role in social protest movements and political rallies across the country.
Dance is part of most ceremonies and rituals. It accompanies births, baptisms, weddings and funerals and the invocation of the spirits of the ancestors to heal the sick or to increase fertility. In some groups, dancers enter a trance and communicate with the spirit world and others dance to induce spiritual possession.
Some dances are intended only for a specific category of people, such as hunters, warriors. In some ethnic groups, professional dancers earn their living by dancing in ceremonies. In some villages, dancing is part of the diviner’s duties.
The group PATRIE ART under the direction of Mr CHAMPLEINS NGAHENOU is working on a collection of traditional dances presented in this page.Their principal sources are AULECH, RODRIGUEZ TANKOUA ( Patrie Art) , wikipédia, ANDRE PASCAL NOUKIMI and BENNY PIAMEU ( Patrie Art).
The data gathered are submitted to the populations of the region or to the chiefdoms for authentication
Please read the provisional document which will be enriched over time
List Of Dances
Dimassalé Cameroon
Hikwé Cameroon
Ifon Cameroon
Kèna et Dadjeu Cameroon
Kang Cameroon
Kougang Cameroon
Kouogbag Cameroon
Koo Cameroon
Kongo Cameroon
Jingo Cameroon
Ngola Cameroon
Mewoupdján’ Cameroon
Mewoupdján’ Cameroon
Mewoupdján’ Cameroon
Mewoupdján’ Cameroon
Lali Cameroon
L’assiko Cameroon
L’Abélo Cameroon
L’Ambas Bay Cameroon
Le ben skin Cameroon
Le bekélé Cameroon
L’ésséwé Cameroon
Le Ngono Cameroon
Le Ngosso Cameroon
Mahongo Cameroon
Makouné Cameroon
Mūseungoùon’h Cameroon
Mèbang ou Mèssouo Cameroon
Mètchè Cameroon
Mhouo Cameroon
Mwouop, mweup Cameroon
Mewoupdján’ Cameroon
Ngueug guieu Cameroon
Ngola Cameroon
Nzen Cameroon
Nding Cameroon
Nku Cameroon
Patengue Cameroon
Pomèdjong ; Samalé ; Lèssa Cameroon
Tsú Cameroo
Mèbang ou Mèssouo
All women can dance Mèbang, but only a queen can create it. They dance it with the Kaba, a large Cameroonian dress, sewn with modern fabric made in the image of Mvè Ndouop. Not everyone can wear the real Mvè Ndouop. On the Kaba, they wear a red jacket on which they have sewn (Nkée) a kind of small aluminum ball called Ndjog Ndjeung. By moving them, they give a certain rhythm that embellishes and accompanies the sounds of the only musician who devotes himself to it for hours.
AUTHOR : PATRIE ART inspired by Andre Pascal NOUKIMI
Reference : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région de l’ Ouest “Read”
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CAMEROON
- Region: West
- Ethnic group: Bamilekes
Lali
It’s a war dance, it helps galvanize the troops. We dance it
with a musical instrument attached to his ankle and which is called
Ndji. The Lali is danced by age group. The dancers’ outfit is composed
of a boubou on which pieces of sheepskin are sewn. THE
musical instruments, composed of a tam-tam called Ndueug, two
drums, a large one called Nteum Ndim and a small one called Nteum keucg.
AUTHOR : PATRIE ART inspired by Andre Pascal NOUKIMI
Reference : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région de l’ Ouest “Read”
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CAMEROON
- Region: West
- Ethnic group: Bamilekes
Mètchè
This is the dance of “retired”. It is only danced after a certain age. Like the Lali it is danced by age group, and after passing the age to dance the Lali. It is danced shirtless with the Mvè Ndouop tied in billiards, forming a circle.
The musicians are in the center and play with a single drum called Ndueug.
It is a male-only dance.
AUTHOR : PATRIE ART inspired by Andre Pascal NOUKIMIReference : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région de l’ Ouest “Read”
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CAMEROON
- Region: West
- Ethnic group: Bamilekes
Kèna et Dadjeu
This dance probably originated from the Noun department in the West Cameroon province. The dance outfit is a white sayon or gandoura, a towel around the elbow and a traditional sword worn over the shoulder. The dancers form a circle with the musicians in the center. Their musical instrument is: two drums, one large and one small, the balafon or xylophone for Dadjeu, a fourth instrument is simply the table on which the xylophone is placed. Some dancers have a musical instrument made from the bamboo stalk of
raffia. Other people are around the musicians and shaking another instrument called Tchouag.
AUTHOR : PATRIE ART inspired by Andre Pascal NOUKIMI
Reference : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région de l’ Ouest “Read”
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CAMEROON
- Region: West
- Ethnic group: Bamilekes
Kang
It is a male initiatory dance. Among the Bamiléké, it is dance that allows the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Only he who has undergone the initiation rites of Kang is a man. It is danced bare-chested, partially covered with kaolin powder, the Mvè Ndouop tied as if in billiards, a cap on the head and two raffia palm bamboo sticks in hand helping to outline dance steps. We can also hold the horns of oxen or calves or goats. The kang is danced in odd years
only, i.e. every two years. The music comes from a secret hut near the ceremonial place called Nkiagne, built from mats woven with the pith of raffia palm bamboo. This mat is called Nkia. The musicians are all princes who are part of the Ngnie secret society. The musical instruments used are called Nzègouong.
AUTHOR : PATRIE ART inspired by Andre Pascal NOUKIMI
Reference : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région de l’ Ouest “Read”
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CAMEROON
- Region: West
- Ethnic group: Bamilekes
Ngueug guieu
Anyone can create and dance Ngueug Guieu. The outfit consists of a kind of hood sewn with a hat that reaches the thigh or front, with a slit at the level of the face to allow the view. His only musical instrument is the drum.
Nowadays, Ngueug Guieu is dying in Bapa. There are still some in Loug (Tsèla) at the notable Nwabé nteug.
AUTHOR : PATRIE ART inspired by Andre Pascal NOUKIMI
Reference : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région de l’ Ouest “Read”
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CAMEROON
- Region: West
- Ethnic group: Bamilekes
Mhouo
This is the dance of “retired”. It is only danced after a certain age. Like the Lali it is danced by age group, and after passing the age to dance the Lali. It is danced shirtless with the Mvè Ndouop tied in billiards, forming a circle.
The musicians are in the center and play with a single drum called Ndueug.
It is a male-only dance.
AUTHOR : PATRIE ART inspired by Andre Pascal NOUKIMI
Reference : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région de l’ Ouest “Read”
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CAMEROON
- Region: West
- Ethnic group: Bamilekes
Mwouop, mweup
It is exclusively reserved for the royal army called Mèdjong Kètoug fé in addition to being the royal army, the Mèdjong are also the musicians for any mourning of one of their own or mourning organized by the chiefdom. After playing the lament music which allows the population to do their mourning rounds, if they are requested, they will dress, play and dance as for the Kang. As musical instruments, they use a xylophone, balafon, and the small drum.
AUTHOR : PATRIE ART inspired by Andre Pascal NOUKIMI
Reference : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région de l’ Ouest “Read”
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CAMEROON
- Region: West
- Ethnic group: Bamilekes
Kougang
In addition to being a traditional dance, it is a mystical brotherhood reserved for certain families only. It is danced from father to son. The major families of Kougang in Bapa are: Mèkuilong, Dzemètchog, Mèkuifang, Mèkuitchouotim, Mèkuiteug, Mèkuigouo, Tétiékoué, Tachèlong. All his families have Kougang brotherhoods in their concession. Other notables such as Mèkuikontchouo pé who can nevertheless also create his brotherhood have not done so but he is in that of Mèkuilong. To create the Kougang in your concession, you must first have a very large family who can be members, in addition you must be a notable who has reached the rank of Mèkui. Originally, the Mèkui were healers and were even the only healers in the village. They were the ones who gave birth to women and provided all other care.
AUTHOR : PATRIE ART inspired by Andre Pascal NOUKIMI
Reference : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région de l’ Ouest “Read”
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CAMEROON
- Region: West
- Ethnic group: Bamilekes
Kouogbag
It is a dance open to all: women, children, adults. This dance is only practiced during odd years, during the Kang period. It can also be played at the funeral of a member of the Ngnie secret society. All Kouogbag musicians are members of the Ngnie secret society. It is played as a prelude to any event for which the company Ngnie provides the music. The musical instruments used are called Nzègouong. There is no specific outfit for dancing Kouogbag,
with your outfit of the day, all you need to do is have the tree of peace called Nguakeung in your hand and join the crowd to dance.
AUTHOR : PATRIE ART inspired by Andre Pascal NOUKIMI
Reference : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région de l’ Ouest “Read”
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CAMEROON
- Region: West
- Ethnic group: Bamilekes
Pomèdjong ; Samalé ; Lèssa
Practiced by men of all ages, from all backgrounds, of all social classes, of all traditional titles. These traditional dances havedansebapa5 for
roles the animation of the population. These are traditional dances that are performed everywhere, even at funerals. They make you forget the sadness a little. Their operations are similar to that of associations, dance clubs, where you can learn to play and dance while also making small or large contributions. Dance outfits are chosen indifferently by the different groups. This is how we find traditional dance associations almost everywhere in the country and even abroad. I am thinking, for example, of the German traditional dance association Pomèdjong created by Bertrand Simeu Fezeu.
AUTHOR : PATRIE ART inspired by Andre Pascal NOUKIMI
Reference : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région de l’ Ouest “Read”
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CAMEROON
- Region: West
- Ethnic group: Bamilekes
Dimassalé; Kouogdjang
Danced almost exclusively by women, but often accompanied by
men to dance and music. The outfit is Kaba sewn to the taste of the different associations that dance it. The musical instruments are the balafon, two drums, on the ankle, the women wear the Tchouacg for the dimassalé and the Dji for the Kouogdjang. These last two instruments 7 give a certain rhythm according to the dance steps. We can also cite the whistle held by leaders.
AUTHOR : PATRIE ART inspired by Andre Pascal NOUKIMI
Reference : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région de l’ Ouest “Read”
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CAMEROON
- Region: West
- Ethnic group: Bamilekes
Mūseungoùon'h
Warrior dance exclusively reserved for the servants of the chief and member of the Royal Guard. It is carried out at the request of the chief for a special occasion or during the death/funeral of a member of the royal guard and a court noble. It is done at the funeral without special attire but at the funeral it is exclusively with the *_ndop_*..
AUTHOR : PATRIE ART inspired by Andre Pascal NOUKIMI
Reference : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région de l’ Ouest “Read”
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CAMEROON
- Region: West
- Ethnic group: Bamilekes
Tsú
Highly solemn dance which is done in the Village market square. It is performed exclusively for the enthronement of a chief, his funeral or those of a great dignitary. It is danced only for and by *_secret societies_* such as the kwoumcheu, the Kwémeton, the hug’mbúm, Kā ‘fessáp,Kā’nshyenda,Pegouop,Kwó’si….
AUTHOR : PATRIE ART inspired by Andre Pascal NOUKIMI
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CAMEROON
- Region: West
- Ethnic group: Bamilekes
Mewoupdján'
Dance of nobles of the royal court performed during the funeral of a
patriarch or matriarch. This dance highlights the facts and actions experienced by the patriarch in question; it is only performed by people of a certain age and noble rank.
AUTHOR : PATRIE ART inspired by Andre Pascal NOUKIMI
Reference : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région de l’ Ouest “Read”
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CAMEROON
- Region: West
- Ethnic group: Bamilekes
Nzën
Dance that the initiates perform to purify the village of
foreign sorcerers/evildoers (Through this dance they chase them away during the day). This dance is highly mystical and calls for high-level rituals and composition to drive away sorcerers regardless of their level of witchcraft or involvement in the village.
AUTHOR : PATRIE ART inspired by Andre Pascal NOUKIMI
Reference : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région de l’ Ouest “Read”
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CAMEROON
- Region: West
- Ethnic group: Bamilekes
Le ben skin
(ou bend skin) est une danse et musique des peuples Bamiléké dans l’ouest du Cameroun, en Afrique centrale. Le bend skin qui signifie ’’se courber’’ (vers l’avant) est lié au manganbeu, autre style et danse des Bamilékés. Il se joue avec des tambours et des maracas souvent fabriqués à partir de canettes de soda, avec un accompagnement vocal. Le ben skin est souvent chanté en Medumba, une langue du peuple Bangangté, et dans de nombreuses variantes des langues Bamiléké. Exécutée surtout par les femmes, la danse ben skin est une démonstration de la sensualité et de la féminité de ces dernières. Le ben skin est devenu populaire en 1993 dans le Banganté de New-Bell, en pleine dépression économique
AUTHOR : PATRIE ART inspired by Andre Pascal NOUKIMI
Reference : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région de l’ Ouest “Read”
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CAMEROON
- Region: West
- Ethnic group: Bamilekes
Tsú
Highly solemn dance which is done in the Village market square. It is performed exclusively for the enthronement of a chief, his funeral or those of a great dignitary. It is danced only for and by *_secret societies_* such as the kwoumcheu, the Kwémeton, the hug’mbúm, Kā ‘fessáp,Kā’nshyenda,Pegouop,Kwó’si….
AUTHOR : PATRIE ART inspired by Andre Pascal NOUKIMI
Reference : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région de l’ Ouest “Read”
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CAMEROON
- Region: West
- Ethnic group: Bamilekes
Ngola
It is a dance practiced by a sorority of women. It is executed when major events, namely: the return from a fishing trip, the end of housework or even at a wedding. At weddings where she is the most performed, it is accompanied by songs that highlight the morality, the beauty, the physique of the girls and especially that of the bride.
AUTEUR : PATRIE ART inspired by ….
Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
Bisoo
It is a purifying dance which is only performed upon the return of
war campaigns. It is only reserved for Mbog warriors, its role is to exonerate the warriors of their actions during tribal wars. It is not admitted to all soldiers, only to those who have fought important battles.
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Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
Koo
It is a dance which is exclusively reserved for women, it is not
performed only during procreation and fertility rituals.
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Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
Hikwé
To seduce, or even charm, a Bassa woman, you have to have more than one trick up your sleeve. This is why men created the Hikwé dance, which is considered a dance of seduction. It happens during dance evenings. Couples are invited onto a stage; if a man is interested in a woman, he will discreetly pinch the palm of her hand without attracting the attention of the public. And if she is receptive to this unusual gesture, the man can hope for a favorable outcome in their relationship, moreover a Bassa proverb says “it is in the eyes of a woman that a man reads his destiny”
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Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
Jingo
Also called Djingo, is an initiatory or sacred dance of the Bassa people. This music therapy is intended to call upon the spirits to obtain healing. It is performed at night to exorcise or make initiatory discoveries of the spirits, which manifest themselves on the dancer through trances.
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Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
Le Békélé
is a male ritual dance that moves the shoulders and affirms masculinity. This dance is performed for the transition of adolescents to adulthood; it is thanks to it that the strength of men is measured.
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Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
Nding
is performed by half-naked torso women, adorned with a thousand necklaces around the waist and neck, a crown of feathers on the head and charms on the ankles, generally it is worn for seduction and wedding festivities.
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Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
Nku
It is a dance that is performed during mourning and is said to be practiced to accompany the dead. Danced exclusively by the grandsons of the deceased if he or she is over 50 years old and by other people of the tribe.
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Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
Ifon
It is a magico-religious dance which is practiced during sessions of
healing. The soothsayer dressed in bird feathers launches into a series
of incantations by performing very particular dance steps by invoking
the genius of fire, Malimba, so that the latter restores health to the sick person.
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Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
Kongo
It is a dance, just like the Ngola which is performed at weddings. But with differences in the rhythm which is similar to the Congolese Soukouss and the mix of gestures which resemble Assiko.
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Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
L'assiko
A traditional healing dance transformed into a celebratory dance. We
This dance is especially found among the Bassa and Betis. The dancers move in small steps, swaying their hips sensually.
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Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
Makouné
Festive dance par excellence, it is the most practiced in Bassa country today for situations of rejoicing and blessings.
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Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
Mahongo
Initiatory dance of warriors, only practiced by men to assert their masculinity,
Next to it we have the BOGBESS which is generally just for entertainment
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Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
Bolobo
is a traditional dance among the Banen. The Banen are a people who live in the Littoral region, Nkam department, Yabassi district in Cameroon. Bolobo is a dance that is danced in the village on special occasions such as festivals.
AUTEUR : PATRIE ART inspired by ….
Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
L’ésséwé
Traditionally, éssèwe is practiced upon the death of a husband and accompanies widowhood rites. On this occasion, the dancers recount the life of the deceased and mime his gestures.
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Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
le Ngono
is performed on all occasions (rejoicing or mourning) in the Moungo. Originally it was only performed by women but over time the practice became widespread among coastal tribes and during celebration ceremonies it can also be performed by men.
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Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
le Ngosso
song and dance which most often punctuate traditional festivals such as Ngondo which is the largest sawa ritual festival. This is to purify the places of celebrations and invoke the protective spirits.
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Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
L’Abélé
dance performed when brides are accompanied to their homes, just after the wedding ceremony. This is put to bless the couple and call peace into their home.
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Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
L’Ambas-Bay
is a traditional dance and rhythm originating from the Yabassi people.
dancing for all the festivities. Local populations were inspired by
German dances during German colonization to enrich the Ambasbey. The dances are actually parodies of court dances in Germany. We hold each other by the elbows, we twirl. The character of this dance is German with commands to the dancers as in the Bol. If you listen carefully to these orders we hear the German “ein zweig” literally “a direction”. By its belonging to the Sawa people and on the other hand its affiliation to the makossa, the music played is mainly sung in Douala. The dance was popularized in the 1960s by Sallé John.
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Références : LES DANSES TRADITIONNELLES CAMEROUNAISES Région LITTORAL ‘ Ouest “Read”
CAMEROON
- Region: LITTORAL
- Ethnic group: SAWA
