Toyi-toyi - protest dance

[RedJacobin]

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.

[Mariam]

That's what I've found on utube

Toyi Toyi
more
Toyi poetry

[RedJacobin]

I think those are videos of a music group named Toyi Toyi, not the dance itself. But, thanks for looking!

Here's an excerpt about the toyi-toyi from a movie review of Amandla!, a documentary on the role of music in the anti-apartheid struggle:

The documentary also captures the archetypal South African war dance, the toyi-toyi. While a marvel to watch, as throngs of "comrades" charge forward chanting slogans, the toyi-toyi could strike fear even in the most menacingly armed forces of the land.

Former riot police commanders, interviewed in the film, admit as much: "I can tell you that most of the riot police and soldiers who had to contain those illegal marches were shit-scared of the chanting blacks confronting them. But they had to stand their guard. Here was an unarmed mob instilling fear just by their toyi-toyi!"

I can't believe there isn't a single video of this anywhere online!

[RedJacobin]

Toyi-Toyi @ the SONA RALLY SF! 07.23.07

Toyi-Toyi Rally Chant at the OUST THE ASWANG RALLY! in front of the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco 07.23.07

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm00zId5NRs