Tanzania’s Baikoko Chronicles, a series of viral videos showcasing the provocative Baikoko dance, sparked heated debate across East Africa, with critics and supporters clashing over its cultural significance.
Originating from the Digo villages of Tanga in the early 1990s, Baikoko, a vibrant dance blending traditional ngoma rhythms with modern flair, has become a staple of Dar es Salaam’s nightlife.
However, recent clips circulating on platforms like Telegram and X, depicting risqué performances at roadside bars and clubs, have reignited concerns about morality and cultural preservation.
Baikoko evolved from the women-only ngoma ya ndani, a Mijikenda initiation rite, and incorporates instruments like the msondo drum and mabuyu trumpets, now often crafted from plastic pipes and buoys in urban settings.
The dance, led by groups like Kaya Baikoko (formerly Dogo Dogo Stars), features suggestive moves that have drawn comparisons to twerking, fuelling its popularity at weddings and taarab nights.
The Tanzania Baikoko Chronicles, a loosely organised collection of user-generated videos, highlight performances by dancers like Naima Rajabu, known as “Kwini”, whose slow grind has captivated audiences in Dar es Salaam and beyond.
The controversy erupted when clips labelled “Baikoko Tamu” surfaced, showing dancers in revealing outfits performing in packed nightclubs.
Social media reactions were polarised, with some users praising the dance as a celebration of Tanzanian heritage, while others called it “a degradation of our traditions”.
Religious leaders in Zanzibar, where Baikoko has gained traction, urged authorities to regulate such performances, citing concerns over public decency. Defenders argue Baikoko is a legitimate art form, rooted in Digo culture and adapted for modern entertainment.
“It’s our heritage, not a scandal,” said Ayubu Mussa, a drummer with Kaya Baikoko, in a recent interview. The dance’s economic impact is notable, with groups booking gigs across Mombasa and Zanzibar, contributing to local tourism.
Yet, critics point to the explicit nature of some performances, often shared without dancers’ consent, raising privacy concerns. As the Tanzania Baikoko Chronicles trend online, the debate shows tensions between cultural expression and modern sensibilities.