Utamaduni is Swahili for “culture” and the group Utamaduni JKU presents Swahili culture at its best. They are performing a rich variety of traditional dances from all over Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar Island including msewe, gonga, kyaso, uringe, pungwa, kibati, bomu, kunguwia, boso, kibunguu, ngokwa, sindimba and lizombe. Each of these dances has its own specific cultural reference. For example ngokwa is a dance style played by the Mahiwa, a Makonde community from the southern part of Tanzania. It is performed in celebration after the killing of a dangerous animal, which has harmed the community by damaging crops or attacking people.

The group was founded in Zanzibar, their permanent base, in the year 1983. They are known for their powerful performances and have played all over the island and beyond. Their 30 members present an ambitious performance with a contemporary edge.