Dhaanto

Dhaanto is a style of traditional Somali music and folk dance. It is a cultural folk dance native to the Somali people in the Horn of Africa.[1]
History
[edit]According to local tradition, Dhaanto is believed to have been created by the nomadic Ogaden clan. The origins of the dance could be traced back to Somali Region of Ethiopia.[2] It was revived in the late 19th century and was used to raise the 'spirits' of soldiers and was often sung on horseback. Dhaanto became popular among the Somalis in Ethiopia and quickly spread to other Somali territories in the Horn of Africa. In the Ogaden region, this dance is very popular and you will annually see ethnic Somalis perform different versions of this dance at the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Day in Jigjiga. Additionally, the genre is also employed in Islamic poetry.[3][4]
References
[edit]- ^ Francesco, Giannattasio (1988). "The Study of Somali Music: Present State". Proceedings of the Third International Congress of Somali Studies. Archived from the original on 2020-09-29.
- ^ Teshale, Tesfamichael (2020). "Tourism potentials and challenges of the Somali region, Ethiopia". Journal of Tourism & Hospitality. 9 (447).
- ^ Shao, Oliver (2023-09-12). Composing Aid: Music, Refugees, and Humanitarian Politics. Indiana University Press. p. 30. ISBN 978-0-253-06766-1.
- ^ Johnson, John William (1996). Heelloy: Modern Poetry and Songs of the Somali. Indiana University Press. p. 31. ISBN 1874209812.