Jack Kwaka Jumann, better known as MC Zendiambo, has established himself as a cultural influencer. MC Zendiambo created the Matopare challenge. Photos: MC Zendiambo and @kenya.gossip.club. Source: Instagram Which is MC Zendiambo’s Matopare challenge? Zendiambo has made a significant mark in Kenya’s showbiz industry by coining dance styles and phrases, such as One Lege, Sheraaah, Anguka Nayo, Kispaki, and Kudonjo Kudunda, with the latest one being Matopare. Before Matopare, Zendiambo came up with Mapangale, accompanied by a dance that rubbed some people the wrong way. The Mapangale dance involves stuttering, rhythmic motions with dancers using their hands to mimic a swinging machete across the neck and head. Social media was soon awash with videos of Kenyans dancing to the trend.
The Music Copyright Society of Kenya CEO Ezekiel Mutua condemned the dance, saying it has the potential of normalizing violence, particularly against women. According to Mutua, the Interior Ministry had flagged the song. Not long after, influencer Mjaka Mfine landed in hot water after participating in the challenge. Mjaka Mfine made a video with Crazy Kennar dancing to the style but was forced to remove it and apologise after facing backlash online. “Two weeks ago, I made a video about femicide and was among the first people to speak against it. Then, after that, I made a video with Crazy Kennar.” She admitted that the video triggered fans, and asserted that she did not support femicide. “I only did it as a dance challenge. I’m sorry if I offended anyone. I’ve deleted the video.” The new challenge, Matopare is derived from the Sheng word for caps. It involves dancers moving their eyebrows rapidly.
The motion causes the caps to move up and down. Interestingly, there is little to no body movement when dancing. Many Kenyans on social media admitted that the dancing trends were moving too quickly for them to keep up. Here are some reactions to the Matopare challenge: lenoh_ke: “I am a cap seller. I know we will make good money this week.” reealbadman.n: “I do not like this challenge.” kambelk._: “Someone said Kenya is a rehabilitation center.” Nickyryne: “The end is coming.” _11.001: “Now which one is this?” maestro_.444: “This syllabus is moving faster than at school. I am still stuck with Mapangale.”
by William Osoro
