Olaijo Fulani Dance “Sharo Culture”!

We brings to you the Sharo culture of Fulani from the northern region of Nigeria. Olaijo Arts World performing the Fulani Sharo Dance.

Sharo means “flogging” which is a rite of passage in a form of public ceremonial dance and culture that demonstrate to the society that a young man has come of age and his mature to have a wife. The young participant is continuously whipped by his opponent called “his challenger” and no matter how painful it is, they must show no signs of pain.

The sharo dance is one of the prominent culture in Fulani settlements which attract people to witness the bravery spectacle exhibited by the young and energetic Fulani’s.

Usually display as a text of endurance and elicit the strength and perseverance of young makes to be withstand the pain emanating from severe flogging.

The male dancers dance in an armless Fulani attire or costumes designed with mofila wool, with a cap on their head and cowries on neck and hands. The participants / dancers hold a long strong stick which they also use when it comes to the whip segment.

The female dancers or bride participants also wear a Fulani short top design with wool which covers only their breast but open their navel. and with a long rapper on their lower extremity.

They dance around carrying a decorated calabash containing cow milk called “Fura”.

The lead flute for Fulani dance is a traditional flute called “Sarewa” accompany by the Fulani drums ensembles.

Most time the sarewa flute play the role of the lead singer or chant leader I.e the flutist lead the songs and chants while every other dancers or participants chorus what the flute says. The flutes also plays plays alone throughout the rhythm session of the dance, rite of passage or display.

This dance presentation was showcased for the student union of University of Ibadan at their cultural night. In Olaijo, we basically promote and showcase African heritages of Dance, music and drumming.