Preserving culture through dance

By Kepher Otieno

When their traditional dance unfolds on the stage, it is a spectacular visual and audio experience — a delightful feast for the senses.

Their dances showcase the rich Luo cultural heritage and promote cultural tourism.

Meet Siruti Traditional Dancers from West Sakwa, Rongo District, famed for their efforts to preserve Luo culture.

The brain behind the dance troupe is Mzee Samuel Mbogo.

Mbogo says he has loved drumming and playing the flute since childhood.

"I have played music for long and now have a rich repertoire of traditional dance, which I have been composing and choreographing," he says.

Mbogo, 58, says even as age catches up with him, he has no regrets being a prolific and renowned traditional dancer in the performing arts scene.

"Today, I head a leading group of artistes who have been reviving traditional Kenyan and Luo performing arts."

In existence since 1999, Siruti Traditional Dancers are known for their flawlessly choreographed Luo cultural classical dances.

The dances sometimes showcase the Luo community’s ancient and repugnant cultures that are targeted for overhaul.

The dance troupe features over 20 dancers, vocalists, instrumentalists and drummers.

Amazing dancing and visuals

"We want to make sure that our dancing and visuals are amazing and unique," says Mbogo.

Clad in animal skins, and traditional, originally designed and handmade costumes in an array of brilliant colours, the Siruti dancers stand out on stage.

"Our aim is to provide our audiences with an experience of consummate beauty and splendour," says Ezekiel Achieng, a soloist and principal dancer.

The team sometimes fuses contemporary hip-hop dance and music with Luo traditional dance to the amusement of audiences.

Real life experiences are summed up in their traditional dances and that is why they are good for cultural tourism.

"Our dances reflect what is going on and can attract many visitors to Kenya," Mbogo says.

Siruti’s harp player and composer, Peter Odero Okumu says they are determined to take traditional dance to the people.

"For example, in May and June last year, we were at Mara Serena Lodge entertaining foreign tourists. We also criss-cross the country," says Okumu.

Mbogo explains that the troupe is also hired to grace local events at a fee.

Great crowd pullers, the dancers are loved by politicians and they are frequent performers at major political functions.

Such is the fame that many traditional dancers in rural villages may be enjoying, but their stories do not receive much attention from the media.