Gambia – A Village Kumpo Dance

by Tom Warburton Last updated February 25, 2017 20.7k Views 2 Comments

A Kumpo is a mythical figure of the Jola people of Gambia and Senegal. A ‘Kumpo’ is the centre of the action at a village celebration. He is dressed in palm leaves and has a stick coming out of the top of his head and he dances! At the climax of the dancing the Kumpo spins around and around to put out a fire.

This Kumpo dance was held in the village of Kanuma, Gambia and was held in celebration of the “Light Up the Village Project” sponsored by The Gambia Experience.

There is not much more I can say about this one – the video below says it all – my favourite is the lady in the red trousers – what a dancer!

culture dance gambia music people

Written by Tom Warburton

Long, long ago (back in analogue days) he travelled the world extensively including a two year around the world trip. He is now rediscovering the world with a digital camera. He originally trained as an ecologist and is particularly interested in environmental and wildlife issues.