Langarm in and around Grahamstown: the dance, the social history and the music

Abstract

Langarm is a popular dance form in South Africa and appeals to people from diverse cultural backgrounds. This paper reports on Langarm music and dance as it is practised by members of the coloured community in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape. Documenting the performances of the band Coysan, it looks at the social aspects of the dance and music style, and recalls local community members' memories of the development of Langarm in and around Grahamstown.


Journal of Musical Arts in Africa Vol. 2 2005: pp. 70-83