For those who have found themselves endlessly scrolling through TikTok, you’ve likely encountered Somalia’s Buraanbur dance. Typically set against the backdrop of a joyous wedding, these videos capture a woman dancing energetically, surrounded by a supportive circle of other women. Intrigued by this captivating tradition, we decided to delve deeper into the dance, a cultural phenomenon that has taken over our social media feeds.
Buraanbur, a form of Somali poetry, has evolved into a multifaceted art form that includes dance and drumming. Typically, the dance floor is a circle, or “goob,” where women form a ring around the performers. The poet, usually a woman, begins with a prayer, followed by greetings and personal reflections. She then sings poems relevant to the occasion, concluding with another prayer or greeting. Dancers, often taking turns, synchronize their movements to the beat of the drums, adding their unique flair to the dance.
@_aishanuuur Adding to my buraanbur playlist 🥁🗣🇸🇴 #buraanbur #somaliwedding #dhaqan #somalia ♬ original sound – Aisha Nur
Buraanbur dancing involves poets, drummers, dancers, and clappers, intricate footwork, rhythmic tapping, and coordinated arm and head movements. Dancers use one leg for support, tapping the other foot to the ground while moving in various directions. The arm movements are often freestyle, with dancers raising their elbows and creating shapes with their hands and chest. Each dancer’s style adds to the collective expression, making each performance a unique celebration of Somali culture.
Historically, it has been a powerful medium for Somali women, offering a platform to express their thoughts, experiences, and aspirations. With roots in resistance against colonialism, Buraanbur has been a crucial tool for women to mobilize, educate, and convey political and social messages.
During colonial rule, Somali women used Buraanbur to unite urban and rural communities against oppressors. The art form played a pivotal role in the Somali struggle for independence, particularly in resisting the British Military Administration. Women’s poetry and Buraanbur dances became symbols of defiance, fostering a collective consciousness centered on national identity and solidarity.
The Somali Youth League (SYL), founded by women in 1947, was a focal point for anti-colonial activism. These women, primarily from urban areas and often unmarried or divorced, organized and recruited new members, promoted nationalism, and participated in demonstrations. Their poetry documented their sacrifices and contributions to the struggle, highlighting their willingness to part with their most cherished possessions, such as jewelry, to support the cause.
One of the most famous Buraanbur poems by Hawa Jibril vividly captures this spirit: “At the time we were fighting for our flag/Sisters, we chanted and we clapped/Till our hands and jaws got sore/Sisters, we sold our jewelry/Depriving ourselves/And donated to our League/Enriching the struggle.”
As women began to engage more in political discussions, the SYL meetings increasingly featured Buraanbur performances, allowing women to claim a voice in the predominantly male political arena. This practice transformed a traditional art form into a potent means of political expression and resistance.
Today, Buraanbur continues to thrive, performed across the Somali peninsula and by the Somali diaspora worldwide. Women use it to celebrate, bond, offer advice, make political statements, resolve conflicts, express their emotions, and preserve their culture in the face of colonialism; all while going viral on TikTok.
