This book presents an analysis of Ingoma dance of the Ngoni of Malawi. The book argues that the dance has for more than a century and half maintained the same forms and structures among the Ngoni. Significantly, it suggests that Ngoni group identity is typically strengthened in relation to Ingoma. For instance, when they perform it, or are wearing something that is connected to it, as is becoming fashionable these days such as wearing an animal skin head band, they are distinguishable from the other groups; hence its a symbol of group identity. Further, the book contends that folk dance can be read through and interpreted as a text. Considering the fact that traditionally dance has mostly been transmitted through linguistic expression including its accompanying song text and that in Ingoma, while the SiNgoni, the language of the Ngoni has not survived as language of every day communication, the dance has. I therefore conclude that the dance rather than the language is their identity marker.

McDonald J.L. Maluwaya was born in Malawi. He holds an MA degree in Dance Anthropology (Choreomundus) awarded in 2014 from 4 European Universities and a BEd (1995) from the University of Malawi. He is Choreographer, Researcher, Actor and Arts Manager. He has extensive experience in the field. He currently works for the Department of Arts in Malawi.