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Kenyan star sparks unity with viral Dhaanto dance craze

By Abdirahman Khalif | 24 Feb 2024

Dhaanto is a famous folk dance style originating from Somalia and holds immense cultural significance.

Lusher Paul, a 27-year-old Kenyan, has taken the internet by storm with his captivating Dhaanto dance techniques, which have transcended cultural boundaries and become symbols of unity.

Paul's enthusiasm for Somali dance has propelled him to stardom.

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Paul's journey kicked off at a Kenyan wedding in Ruiru, where he served as the master of ceremony. His captivating Dhaanto performances, featuring a dynamic team of 15 talented individuals, comprising five men and ten women known as the "Kenya Dhaanto Dancers," quickly gained widespread online recognition.

Dhaanto is a famous folk dance style originating from Somalia and holds immense cultural significance.

Paul’s breakthrough occurred with a viral TikTok video in August 2021, which catapulted Lusher Paul and the Kenya Dhaanto Dancers into the spotlight.

"I realised my love for Dhaanto after the overwhelming response from viewers," Paul says, reflecting on the unexpected fame that propelled him to unite youth in embracing this traditional art.

"Dhaanto has become a bridge, connecting me with the Somali community and opening doors to MC weddings," Paul said.

"The reaction was overwhelming," Paul recalls, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "People loved it, and that's when I realised how much I loved Dhaanto too." This newfound passion fueled his desire to share it with others. He gathered young people, forming the Kenya Dhaanto Dancers in February 2022, and patiently guided them through the intricate steps and energetic rhythms.

Lusher Paul and the Kenya Dhaanto Dancers. Photo : Amin Abdullahi

Paul's dedication to mastering the dance, despite not being Somali himself, has earned him respect and admiration within the Somali community online. He's become a beacon of cultural exchange, bridging the gap between communities through his art.

"They can't believe I can dance Dhaanto so well," Paul chuckles, referring to the Somali community. "Most of my fans are Somali, and I'm the only known non-Somali who dances Dhaanto." This uniqueness adds to his appeal, making him a sought-after performer at weddings and events, both within and outside the Somali community.

Abdifatah Hassan an online supporter of Paul says he has never missed watching any video posted by Paul and his team. He is impressed by how perfect the movement and the dance are.

"I think Paul's great-grandparents were Somalis," notes Abdifatah with a smile. "You can't be dancing this perfectly without being a Somali," he said.

Their success extends beyond the internet; they've received numerous honours. Their most recent achievement came at the Fresh Entries Musical Awards, which were held at KICC in December 2023.

The group's success is not without hurdles. Due to budget constraints, they must rent camera equipment, limiting their capacity to regularly generate high-quality footage. Paul also reports encountering occasional criticism from those who discriminate based on cultural differences.

Paul is actively learning Somali to obtain a better understanding of the music and lyrics that inspire his dancing.

The Kenya Dhaanto Dancers are more than just performers; they are cultural ambassadors, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding through the universal language of dance.