Unyago is the ancient drum and dance ritual, performed by older women exclusively for teenage girls, which uses traditional rhythms to teach women how to take care of and pleasure their husbands, protect their homes, and other preparations before marriage. Unyago is popular in the islands and coastal regions of East Africa.
For several decades the undisputed leader in the unyago scene has been Bi Kidude bint Baraka. Now aged more than a century and due to worsening health, in 2012 Bi Kidude recently retired from performing in public.
Zanzibar Unyago group mostly includes the same drummers and dancers that have been performing over the years with Bi Kidude at ceremonies around East Africa as well as on the big stage in Japan, Poland, South Africa, Mozambique, France, Holland and Germany. Lead msondo drummer is now Saada Ally Shoka, more popularly known as Binti Ally.
Meanwhile Bi Fatma Hamza and Bi Nachum Ngwali Faki continue to play backing drums, with Fatma Juma now as lead vocalist and dancer. For an unforgettable performance, don't miss Zanzibar Unyago for their first ever international performance in this set up at Sauti za Busara 2013.