Chitelele is a dance performed by women in all villages at all social occasions in Mfumbeni. The women of almost every village I have visited during my time here have come together to greet me or say goodbye using this form of song and dance.

For chitelele, the women stand in a circle. Call-and-response songs are led by one member of the group, accompanied by syncopated hand clapping by all women. The dancers take it in turns to perform in pairs or threes, moving around inside the circle as they stomp their feet and wiggle their hips to the beat of the clapping.

Chitelele is usually practiced at night under the moonlight, and neighbouring villages often hold competitions to see who has the most talented dancers.

Of all the villages where I was entertained by chitelele dancers, the ladies from Chilobwe village hold my vote!