Kenya

The Ramogi Dancers from Homabay County process through the Festival site, to the delight of visitors.

Photo by Bea Ugolini, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution

Ramogi dancer Kennedy Odhiambo Olela shows off his brightly colored and elaborate costume.

Photo by Akea Brown, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution

A Ramogi dancer wears an intricately beaded and colorful headpiece.

Photo by Hermine Dreyfuss, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution

A young visitor to the Karibuni Stage learns some dance moves from a Ramogi dancer.

Photo by Josue Castilleja, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution

The Ramogi Dancers from Homa Bay County are a traditional men’s troupe composed of two teams, the Kagan and Kochia dancers that perform authentic Luo dances of western Kenya. Traditionally the dances would be performed during burial ceremonies, called tero buru. More recently the dances have been a source of entertainment during state functions, wedding ceremonies and other rites, in addition to burial ceremonies.

Paul Orwa Apiyo
Daniel Akumu Mandha
Alfred Anyango Migure
James Ojuok Ochieng’
Kennedy Odhiambo Olela
John Oyoi Ooyi
Joseph Aludo Owaka
John Owuor Oyugi
Stanbradox Odhiambo Oyugi