Traditional West African Rhythms and Dance
Yankadi
Originally, Yankadi was a soussou seduction dance for young women, danced by both young girls and boys coming from out of town to show their new moves and dance. It is now played at various occasions.
Sinte
Sinte is a rhythm from the region of the cities of Boke, Boffa and their surroundings. In this part of Guinea, The Landuma and Nalu people are present and use this rhythm as a pre-initiation dance. This rhythm was also sometimes played by women on a musical instrument called the Krin. It has now become very popular because of its melody and the variety of dances associated to it.
Kuku
Kuku is a rhythm from the Manian ethnic group in the forest region of Guinea around the city of Beyla (not far from the Ivory-Coast border). It is one of the most popular west African rhythms. In Guinea, it is played during many different celebrations and at very different speeds, depending on the region.
It was originally played without Doundoumba/Sangban/Kenkeni for women to dance to when returning from fishing. In this area, Malinke people have migrated and mixed with the people from the forest. Another fast version of this rhythm is played by the Maoka ethnic group.
