Toyi-toyi

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Toyi-toyi is a Southern African dance that became famous for its use in political protests in the apartheid-era South Africa.

Toyi-toyi could begin as stomping of feet and spontaneous chanting during protests that could include political slogans or songs, improvised and previously made. Some sources claim that South Africans learned it from Zimbabweans. Unarmed protesters used it as a way to intimidate armed soldier and riot police of the white government. It became in integral part of any political protest and ANC meeting.

After Apartheid ended, people have used toyi-toyi to protest their grievances against the current government policies.

In October 2004 Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe banned toyi-toyi even indoors because of its use as a protest.

The toyi-toyi was also used with chants such as "Amandla"(power) and "Awethu"(ours) these two sayings were often used together.