back to the list of All 2013 performances
Water Locale
Nyakwana/ Nyambera River
The Choreographers
Obino Nambane-Lead
Milkah Nyamusi
Dan Matoke
Audience Site
Nyakwana/Nyambera,Kisii
Time of day for performance
2.00 PM GMT
History of site and related water issues
The water is gotten from Nyakwana River for local households, animals and other uses. The first milling machine using hydro-power was built at the site. It is an old river that is very intertwined with the history of the people of Gusii. Since time immemorial, our people have been getting their livelihood from this river. It is associated with many conflicts between the upper and lower sections of the river concerning water use, population increase and seasonal drought.
The Music
The music is from the local dialect, Ekegusii songs that are sung about the river. Many lines depicting the use of water from the river are used in the storyline and in simple dance steps. This music is at all times blended with neighbouring community tunes.
- Amache Nyamiriatoo ee baba –Water is life
- Amache nobochege agiteire—-Obochege-conflict
- Amache Nyamotika egochia enywe-Nyamotika–cow
The Performance
24 dancers or more dancers perform, under training for the dance steps, the music and instrumentation. The dancers are characters in the storyline depicting the river/water source and its uses and importance to the community around it. Patterns and formation reflect the uses of the water. The soloist is a female and main actress.
Directions to site of the performance
Nairobi—Kisii Town–Nyakwana/ Nyambera River