The place of music and dance in Luo culture

Young and old come together to express their excitement. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

A popular Luo song, Adhiambo Sianda by musician Dola Kabarry compliments a woman named Adhiambo for her robust and shapely hips. Sianda is Dholuo for the backside. Culturally among the Nilotic community living on the shoulders of Lake Victoria, the shape and size of a woman’s hips are key to female attraction and beauty.

Many musicians, including the late Benga giant Okach Biggy, composed songs extolling women...