Traditional dance

This is one of the Unique Cultural Characteristics In Mozambique that you should know. Tufo is a Northern Mozambican traditional dance. The dance is performed by groups of women in Maputo, the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, and on Mozambique's island. The dance, which is of Arab origin, is performed to commemorate Islamic festivals and holidays. Traditionally, the dance is performed by dancers moving only the top halves of their bodies, accompanied by songs and tambourine-like drums. The matrilineal Makhuwa culture has also had a strong influence on the dance. Despite its Muslim origins, tufo has spread beyond the confines of Islamic communities and contexts. Tufo songs, while still performed at religious feasts, may also contain social or political themes.

Historically, both male and female dancers performed tufo, but men now only dance on rare occasions. Tufo dance groups are made up of 15-20 women who are accompanied by four men or women playing flat tambourine-like drums. Although there are usually lead singers, all of the dancers sing. Tufo dancers used to perform while kneeling down, moving the top halves of their bodies rhythmically. Tufo choreography has recently evolved to the point where dancers can stand and move their entire bodies.

Tufo songs are passed down orally and may have been written by one of the dancers or the group's poet. They are usually in Emakhuwa, but they can also be in Arabic or Portuguese. The dancers are required to wear matching scarves and capulanas, which are sarongs made of brightly colored printed cloth. Each dance necessitates the use of a new capulana.