Before 1900, this ngoma was popular in Congo (now DRC) where it was used mainly for occasions such as marriage, traditional religious ceremonies and during other festivities. Later on it spread and became popular into other countries such as Tanzania, where in the first place it gained roots in regions such as Kigoma, Tabora and Dar es Salaam, and later, Zanzibar. The dancers wear white face paint and head decoration of feathers, dressed ambiguously so it is hard to know which are the men or the women. Highly sensual and evocative, this show is not for the faint-hearted!

In original context, Kilua ceremonies are performed for evoking the spirits and exorcising demons. There are several taboos that dances of Kilua are subjected to – for example certain dancers are not allowed to eat or drink anything the whole day until after they are through with the performance.