The Malipenga dance (also known as "Beni") is found throughout the former British colonies of southern Africa. Today it is prevalent in areas where there is a high incidence of out-migration on the part of the men for work in the mines of South Africa.
The music of the marching bands was also thought to be quite discordant to the Africans. In order to imitate this cacophony "instruments" were fashioned out of dried gourds and the membrane from and egg shell in order to produce a sound similar to a present-day kazoo.
The pomp of military parades was also seen to be quite ludicrous in the eyes of the local Africans. Present at all Malipenga dances, therefore, is the King and Queen of England and their entourage, as well as, their ubiquitous doctor and nurse who scurry about throughout the performance taking the temperatures of and distributing "pills" to members of the audience.
Although the British no longer have a military presence in southern Africa, the ostentatious displays are still remembered and ridiculed on a regular basis. This usually occurs in the end of the dry season after the return of large numbers of workers from the mines of South Africa. This is generally a time of little agricultural work and the villagers enjoy celebrating the return of the young men who are happy to show off their new consumer goods, clothes and wealth.
Today there are two types of costumes for Malipenga dancing in Malawi. The military dress is still the most popular, especially by the older groups of dancers. However, there is an increase in the number of groups who wear the starched white shirts and shorts of the wealthy South African upper class men. The accoutrements to accompany this new style of costume are a plethora of neckties and watches (luxury items in Malawi). Often dancers will wear several of each.
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