The Giriama

The Giriama are one of the nine ethnic groups that make up the Mijikenda (translation “nine towns”). The Mijikenda occupy the coastal strip extending from Lamu in the north to the Kenyan/ Tanzanian border in the south. They are the largest of the Mijikenda community and inhabit the area of Mariakani and Kaloeni in Kilifi county. 

While on assignment, Mirella mainly photographed the Giriama girls dancing. 

“Giriama dances are lively, dynamic and colourful performances. An immediate impression is of the girls’ fast, vigorous hip-shaking accompanied by one or two men leaping around energetically shaking their elbows to fast, strong drum rhythms.” 

‍Valerie A. Briginshaw, Giriama and Digo Dance Styles, pg.144. Journal of International Library of African Music.