There are two versions of Kuhunga repertoire: one for makishi and one for tundanji (male initiates) (Kubik 1994, 370, 376-377).¹ Although the dance is similar, these versions have different drumming, songs, and performance settings. Kuhunga (makishi) is the primary dance of Chokwe spirits. These makishi, however, are also frequently at mikanda (traditional male initiation schools) and festivals of Luchazi, Luvale, and Mbunda communities. As a result, it is widespread in this shared cultural region. Kuhunga (makishi) is almost exclusively performed at vilende (large dance events) during festivals, or at the end of mukanda (male initiation school) ceremonies. One chilende (singular of vilende) usually features many performances of this dance.

Many drummers refer to this item of repertoire as “Ukuza,” demonstrating how the likishi Chikuza is the face of the dance. Before dancing Kuhunga, Chikuza (and sometimes Kalelwa or Kapapa) performs the oral briefing of kutanga as a prelude.² The makishi who perform kutanga teach the tundanji how to dance Kuhunga. However, Kuhunga is also danced by other spirits who do not instruct the initiates, almost all of whom are aggressive in temperament (Penoni 2018, 234).³ Most of these makishi wear mizombila (long bark-cloth skirts) and/or jizombo (short bark-cloth skirts) around their waists. The placement of these skirts is vital since makishi wearing jizombo solely around their necks usually dance Unyanga.

Whether danced by makishi or tundanji, the characteristic motion of Kuhunga is a swiveling waist isolated from alternating footwork. When performed correctly, the mizombila and/or jizombo rotate and stay suspended in air (Wele 1993, 27).⁴