The Batura Women Dancers, known as Bakhaye Batura, are a remarkable and vibrant women-only traditional singing and dance group deeply rooted in the cultural practices of the Batura sub-tribe, part of the larger Luhya community in Kenya. This group, which also operates as a Chama (a social or cooperative group), specializes in performing songs that revolve entirely around Omutura, the rich and multifaceted cultural heritage of the Batura people. Their music is a celebration of identity, tradition, and community, offering a window into the soul of Batura culture.
Bakhaye Batura’s repertoire is as diverse as it is profound, featuring songs for every season, occasion, and activity. Their music mirrors the rhythms of daily life, from the joyous celebration of births to the solemnity of communal gatherings. Listening to Bakhaye Batura is an immersive experience, one that captures the authentic essence of traditional Luhya music and transports listeners to the heart of Batura traditions.
What sets Bakhaye Batura apart from many other traditional groups is their unwavering commitment to preserving the purity of their sound. While contemporary groups often incorporate modern instruments or dance styles to enhance their performances, Bakhaye Batura remains steadfast in using only traditional accompaniments. Their signature instrument is a simple yet ingenious stick, designed to hold a dozen or so bottle tops in a way that produces a distinctive jingling sound. When the stick is pounded on the ground, the 12 jingles create a rhythmic pattern that is both captivating and energizing. This unique accompaniment, combined with the group’s powerful vocal harmonies, creates a magnetic energy that compels listeners to dance and celebrate alongside them.
The music of Bakhaye Batura is deeply intertwined with the life cycle and daily activities of the Batura people. They have songs for celebrating births, where they joyfully welcome newborns into the family, village, and community. A new baby is seen as a blessing, not just for the household but for the entire society. Their songs for such occasions are filled with warmth, hope, and communal pride, reflecting the collective joy of the community.
In addition to celebrating life, Bakhaye Batura also sings songs that encourage a strong work ethic among both boys and girls, emphasizing the value of hard work, responsibility, and unity. In recent years, they have introduced songs that celebrate education, reflecting the growing recognition of schooling as a vital tool for personal and communal development. These songs underscore the importance of education as a pathway to empowerment and progress within the Batura sub-tribe.
The Batura are one of the 18 sub-tribes of the Luhya community, primarily located in the western region of Kenya. They are nestled within Bumula, exclusively occupying the Khasoko location. The Batura people are organized into 12 clans: Abakhibe, Abatsoye, Abamutiru, Akhaabi, Abamukwe, Abakhauka, Abakhwaku, Abakwete, Abang’aale, Abamwaka, Abamakunda, and Ababuka. Each clan has its own unique identity and history, contributing to the rich and diverse cultural tapestry of the Batura people.
The Batura speak Olutura, a dialect of the Luhya language, and are found across three counties: Kakamega, Busia, and Bungoma. Among their main clans are the Bakhauka (with women referred to as Nakhauka), predominantly located in the Khasoko area of Bungoma County. The Bakhibe (with women called Nashibe) are partly found in Mungore and Namatotoa, also in Bungoma County. The Bamutiru (with women known as Namutiru) reside in Lung’anyiro and Nanyeni sub-locations of Koyonzo Ward in Matungu Constituency. Lastly, the Batsoye (with women referred to as Nabatsoye) are spread across several sub-locations in Matungu Sub-County, including Munami, Mirere, Namamali, Lung’anyiro, Nanyeni, Musamba, Khalaba, and Namulungu. It is worth noting that the Bashibe clan is also present in Mirere and Koyonzo sub-locations.
The history of the Batura people is marked by migratory patterns that have shaped their identity and settlement over time. One of their most distinctive cultural practices is the burial of deceased males in a sitting posture, facing Tiriki. This custom, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Abakhibe clan, is a long-standing facet of their customary law. It is a practice that has endured without conflicting with other religious, customary, or legislative norms.
For Bakhaye Batura, songs are more than just entertainment; they are a living archive of the Batura people’s history, values, and experiences. The group draws inspiration from the teachings of their ancestors, elders, and community members, crafting songs that reflect the various stages of life and the wisdom passed down through generations. Their lyrics, sung in Olutura, are a proud celebration of their identity, experiences, and aspirations.
What makes their music particularly special is its authenticity. Bakhaye Batura does not borrow from contemporary music trends or styles. Instead, they maintain traditional tunes and rhythms that align perfectly with the basic beat and structure of their dances. This commitment to cultural preservation ensures that their music remains a true representation of Batura heritage.
In an interview with West TV’s Ke-Khulwanyi Mumbo, set to air at 7 pm on Thursday, February 2025, Geoffrey Madesters Sikuku, the national chairman of the Batura community, alongside Pascal Bushuru, head of the Department of Culture, and Gladys Mwakha, the chairlady of Bakhaye Batura, emphasized the importance of supporting the group. They described Bakhaye Batura as more than just a singing and dance group; it is a cultural institution that plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the traditions of the Batura sub-tribe.
The leadership has appealed to well-wishers and cultural enthusiasts to support Bakhaye Batura, ensuring that their music and traditions continue to thrive. Through their songs, Bakhaye Batura resonates with the heartbeat of their community, safeguarding a cultural legacy that will endure for generations to come.
Bakhaye Batura is a beacon of cultural preservation, celebrating the rich heritage of the Batura people through song, dance, and storytelling. Their music is a testament to the enduring power of tradition, offering a glimpse into the values, history, and aspirations of the Batura sub-tribe. As they continue to sing, dance, and inspire, Bakhaye Batura ensures that the spirit of Omutura remains alive and vibrant, bridging the past and the future with every performance.
