Makishi are ceremonial dancers, men dressed head-to-toe in beaded costumes with elaborate wooden masks, decorative belts to accent the movement of their hips, and percussive bangles around their ankles. They dance to drum music in a pantomime style, depending on the nature of the spirit they represent. They emerge as part of boys’ mukanda initiation ceremonies in Vaka Chiyama Cha Mukwamayi communities but also perform for entertainment and at other cultural events.
Throughout 2019 Matthew Peters Warne made audio and video recordings of the of the Biseke Culture Dancing Group and their performances with the help of Erik K. Nsamba and Musole. The first recording was released by Mark Mulroney in September 2020. Keep an eye on this space for more opportunities to experience the work of this amazing group.