When it comes to dance culture, South Africa is one of Africa’s most prominent names. Whether originating from today’s contemporary club scene, the dusty streets of various townships across the country, or newer genres of music like amapiano or gqom, South African dance is incredibly rich and diverse. From classic Pantsula, a style of dancing that was largely a product of kwaito music, to the more recent knee-busting Vosho, which dominated dance floors after it was performed by socialite Zodwa Wabantu in 2018, there have and continue to be many memorable dances that form a part of the ever-evolving space. Naturally, dance and music go hand-in-hand, with the latter spurring the birth of the former. Over the years, there have been dance styles that have been popularised by female South African musicians across different genres. While these musicians may not have been the originators of these dance styles, they nonetheless played a role in projecting their reach and impact. 

Miriam Makeba — Pata Pata

The late veteran singer Miriam Makeba, endearingly known by the name “Mama Africa”, released one of her biggest and internationally acclaimed hits, “Pata Pata”, in 1967. The Xhosa song, which translates to “touch touch” in English, made reference to and subsequently made more visible a dance that had emerged in the taverns of townships in Johannesburg a decade before. The jovial routine typically involves two people, usually a man and a woman. The man crouches before his female dance partner and pats her body according to the rhythm of the music as he slowly rises her up and winds her hips around in circles. The dance can also be performed by a single individual without a partner.

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Brenda Fassie — Vul’indlela Shuffle

In 1997, the late Ma Brrr released “Vul’indlela”, which was featured on her Memeza album. The Zulu song, which describes the singer asking others to make way for her son getting married, became an instant national anthem and a favourite at many a South African wedding procession, with a distinct dance routine accompanying it. While the legendary musician would tragically pass away in 2004, the song and its signature shuffle continued to be a staple at South African weddings well into the mid-2000s. 

Makhadzi — Tshibaisigira

Makhadzi, who is referred to as the Queen of Limpopo Dance, has brought several traditional dances from Limpopo to the forefront of national attention, chief among them her signature dance move known as Tshibaisigira. Loosely translating to “a bicycle” in English, the energetic dance move entails moving one’s legs in a similar motion to riding a bicycle but in very quick succession. Whether during her live performances or her animated music videos, the now nationally known move is always sure to feature and rouse an audience.

Babes Wodumo — Gwara Gwara

When Rihanna took to the stage to perform “Wild Thoughts” at the 60th Grammys back in 2018, many (understandably) assumed that she had added the “stanky leg” to her salsa-inspired dance routine. She was, in fact, doing the Gwara Gwara, a South African dance that also involves dipping one’s legs while gyrating the hips. The dance had initially begun after a viral moment from South African artist DJ Bongz. However, the move gained even more popularity thereafter as gqom artist Babes Wodumo performed it regularly in many of her energetic sets and music videos. 

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Kamo Mphela — Pouncing Cat

The Pouncing Cat is a dance that started back in 2019 after the release of the song "Kokota Piano". It is a product of the amapiano or yanos (colloquial term for amapiano) genre and has been featured in several music videos, with artists adding their own personality and flavour. One of today’s youngest and most notable amapiano stars is Kamo Mphela, and so it’s unsurprising that her influence on the music scene has further popularised the dance. The Pouncing Cat itself involves shifting side-to-side with one’s feet while simultaneously moving the shoulders back and forth — hands are balled into fists to resemble a cat’s paws. It’s really all in the shoulders!