RedJacobin
26th July 2007, 21:34
Originally posted by Wikipedia
Toyi-toyi
Toyi-toyi is a Southern African dance originally from Zimbabwe that became famous for its use in political protests in the apartheid-era South Africa.
Toyi-toyi could begin as the stomping of feet and spontaneous chanting during protests that could include political slogans or songs, either improvised or previously created. Some sources claim that South Africans learned it from Zimbabweans. Unarmed protesters used it as a way to intimidate armed soldiers and riot police of the white government. It became an integral part of any political protest and ANC meeting.
After Apartheid ended, people have used toyi-toyi to express their grievances against current government policies.
In October 2004 Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe banned toyi-toyi even indoors because of its use as a protest.
The toyi-toyi was also used with chants such as "Amandla" ("power") and "Awethu" ("ours"). These two sayings were often used together.
Are there any videos of this online? Seems like the bland cattle-drive protests here in the States could use some of this.
Toyi-toyi
Toyi-toyi is a Southern African dance originally from Zimbabwe that became famous for its use in political protests in the apartheid-era South Africa.
Toyi-toyi could begin as the stomping of feet and spontaneous chanting during protests that could include political slogans or songs, either improvised or previously created. Some sources claim that South Africans learned it from Zimbabweans. Unarmed protesters used it as a way to intimidate armed soldiers and riot police of the white government. It became an integral part of any political protest and ANC meeting.
After Apartheid ended, people have used toyi-toyi to express their grievances against current government policies.
In October 2004 Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe banned toyi-toyi even indoors because of its use as a protest.
The toyi-toyi was also used with chants such as "Amandla" ("power") and "Awethu" ("ours"). These two sayings were often used together.
Are there any videos of this online? Seems like the bland cattle-drive protests here in the States could use some of this.