​Our Story

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 There is a tale that is told of one mid-summer night long long ago , The silence on the African plain is broken, not by the usual roar of a lion, nor the laughter of hyenas in the distance. The sound is new and ancient at the same time. it's the beating of a drum that brings the night to life. A single young man beating his cow skin Ngoma as if in a call to arms. He sits under the great acacia tree at Imbayamambo. With each rhythm of his Drum the crowd around him grows.  As more Jaya's join in with their drums the night comes to life. The excited screams of young ladies pierce the night. The party has begun!

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As the circle of spectators grows a moon lit dance-floor appears under the great acacia and the true stars of the night emerge in full ceremonial dress, a group of dancers, their bodies moving instep to the the rhythm of the Ngoma's. Their souls unhinged from the fear and shyness that might otherwise keep them from giving the performance of a lifetime. The tribal masks they wear give them courage. Tonight they dance wearing the spirits of Lions and Leopards, Cheetahs and Eagles. They dance in celebration of all things African. It was on this night that the first Afro-house party was born and possibly the first masquerade ball.



Zijaya Tribe is a celebration of African Heritage through fashion. Those nights under Acacia trees might be long gone but the rhythm still lives. We might not wear African Dance masks any more but that primal rhythm still beats in the heart of every African Child. Let us all wear that pride in our fashion. Let us all show the world our enduring spirit. Let us show them the joy we share in being children of Africa. One Continent, One People, One Tribe.

 

 

Zijaya Tribe.