Banamba, also called bandámmba,[1] is a genre of dance and music from Suriname. The dance is called the "Saramaccan beauty dance" (Dutch: Saramaccaanse schoonheidsdans).[2][3]
Description
The dance can be performed either solo or as a group.[2] Its primary movements involve swinging of the hips and shaking of the buttocks.[3] The music has a characteristic banamba rhythm (Saramaccan: banamba ridem).[4][5]
The Banamba genre originated during the slavery era, drawing from the Saramaccans' African heritage. At the beginning of the 21st century, Banamba is performed both as a form of entertainment and to mark official occasions, such as when a child receives a pangi or when the village welcomes guests.[2]
Banamba dance is also popular for challenges, battles and festivals.[6] Special banamba celebrations include the 2016 Banamba Riddim Party in Paranam,[7] the 2022 Banamba Neti in Pokigron[8] and recurring Banamba competitions in Paramaribo.[9][10]
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