Mbende Jerusarema Dance

　　Proclamation: 2005

　　Member State(s): Zimbabwe

　　Region: Africa

　　Associated themes: Rituals and festive events; Performing arts

　　The mbende, or jerusarema dance is a popular dance style practiced by the Zezuru Shona people living in the Murewa and Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe districts in eastern Zimbabwe.

　　The dance is characterized by sensual and acrobatic movements by women in unison with men, and are driven by a single polyrhythmic drummer accompanied by men playing woodblock clappers and by women handclapping, yodeling and blowing whistles. Unlike other drum-based East African dance styles, the dance does not rely on intricate foot stamping or many drummers. Instead, the music is performed by one master drummer, and no songs or lyrics are involved. A rich material culture, including drums, clappers, whistles and costumes, is associated with the dance.