The Osiligi Warriors visit the UK in August and September each year. They perform for schools and church groups all over the country. They recently had a booking for a local school, Whitehills, so it seemed logical that they came and stayed with me.
Word got out and friends and family soon invited themselves to join us for the evening. Soon I was hosting 18 people for a BBQ. I hoped our visitors would not be too intimidated by the curious Scots. I hoped friends and family would not be disappointed if the Maasai arrived in casual clothes. Not a bit of it! It is hard to explain the sense of wonder when you are greeted by a troupe of Maasai in traditional dress. Their beauty and dignity was undeniable. I was concerned they might find the Scottish temperature a little challenging. But they were well prepared and wrapped their red shukas around themselves. It is interesting to think that the tartan of the Maasai may originate from Scottish missionaries.
It is truly a wondrous sight. It was not the warmest of evenings so we decided to light the brazier – a very popular decision.
My favourite part of the greeting ceremony was the jumping.
Especially when they made me demonstrate!
I think I need to stick to the day job! We had a great evening of singing, dancing, eating, jumping and toasting ourselves around the brazier. Richard, Miriam, Samuel, Simon, Joseph and Sayianka were great guests and great fun. As it got dark, we sang Auld Lang Syne and taught them to dance the Gay Gordons by the light of the fire. they continued to entertain us with traditional Maasai songs.
At one point, when they were dancing, a lorry was driving past the garden. I caught a glimpse of the driver’s astonished face. This was obviously not a sight he expected to see in the countryside of Huntly! I thought he was going to drive through the hedge.
A great evening was had by all. It was strange to think that they have several more weeks of touring so I will be back in Kisamis, Kiserian and Kenya before they will.
Anyone interested in booking a performance for next year should contact Jim Wilkie ( j.wilkie @btinternet.com) for more information
0 Comments