This performance happened around midday in the black khaima of the daira of Lemsid, one of the three neighbourhoods of Boujdour camp. These were in competition with each other as part of the celebrations for the 27 of February, the Saharawi national day. On that same day 38 years ago the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) was self-proclaimed in the Saharawi refugee camps, in SW Algeria. The musicians are playing a traditional dancing tune, or sharaa, in a loop, while the dancers take turns to jump into the dancing floor. In the end, the daira of Lemsid won the competition that day, even thought the other two neighbourhoods had put together incredible performances as well.
To learn more about the Saharawi traditional culture festivals, go to violetaruanomusic.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/the-saharawi-cultural-crusade-identity.html
Cast:Violeta Ruano
Tags:Saharawi music, festivals, traditional culture, dancing, February 27, SADR, competition and Africa