Tufo (dance)

The origins of tufo are unclear,^[5] although on the Island of Mozambique, legend has it that the dance began at the time when the Islamic prophet Muhammad migrated to Medina.^[6] He was welcomed by his followers with songs and dances praising God, accompanied by tambourines. Since Muhammad approved of these dances, they continued to be performed at religious festivals.^[6] Tufo probably arrived in Mozambique in the 1930s, brought by a tradesman from Kilwa called Yussuf.^[5][6] The name probably derives from an Arabic name for the tambourines used in the dance, ad-duff.^[6] This word became adufe or adufo in Portuguese, and then tufo.^[6]

The dance has also been heavily influenced by the matrilineal Makhuwa culture.^[6] Despite its Muslim origins, tufo has spread beyond the communities and context of Islam.^[5] Although still performed at religious feasts, tufo songs may also contain social or political themes.^[6]

Historically tufo was performed by both male and female dancers but now men usually only dance on rare occasions.^[6] Tufo dance groups comprise 15–20 women and are accompanied by four men or women on flat tambourine-like drums.^[6] All of the dancers sing although there are usually lead singers.^[6] Traditionally, tufo dancers danced while kneeling down, rhythmically moving the top halves of their bodies.^[5][6] More recently tufo choreography has evolved such dancers may stand and move their whole bodies about.^[6]

Tufo songs are transmitted orally and may be composed by one of the dancer's or by the group's poet.^[6] They are usually in the Emakhuwa language but may also be in Arabic or Portuguese.^[6] The dancers must wear matching scarves and capulanas, which are a kind of sarong made from brightly coloured printed cloth.^[6] Each dance requires a new capulana to be worn.^[3][6]