The Cannibal Night Dancer | African Book of Monsters, Episode 2 Artwork

Those Who Came Before Us

Most of us are aware of how badly represented Africa is. The continent is too often reduced to a number of degrading stereotypes. But Africa has a rich and diverse history. A history that is usually ignored or poorly understood not just by the world but by (sometimes) its own people. A certain British historian once referred to its past as darkness.

Well, I hope to be among those who hold a lantern to this so-called darkness of a history. Take my hand, as I guide you down the pathways of Africa’s supposed night covered past. Allow me to show you her numerous and diverse people, their perspectives, religion, and their stories.

Hosted by David Ibanda( a devoted student of African history with a penchant for Corny jokes)

Follow podcast instagram page at @twcbupod.

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Those Who Came Before Us

The Cannibal Night Dancer | African Book of Monsters, Episode 2

February 13, 2025 • David

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In this episode, I dive into the chilling legends of the cannibal night dancer said to feast on human flesh and embody the darkest fears of African folklore. But beyond the myths, how did accusations of cannibalism shape perceptions of morality, justice, and otherness? I explore the psychology behind these stories, the real-life consequences of being labeled a night dancer, and how law and society have dealt with those accused of such crimes. Is there truth behind the fear, or are these tales reflections of something deeper within us?

Intro - 0:00 - 2:01
Chapter 4 - “Cannibalism and African Zombies“ - 2:02 - 7:59

Chapter 5 - “Cannibalism, the Banality of Evil and Otherness” - 8:00 - 29:03

Chapter 6 - “Law, Crime and Justice” - 29:04 - 46:31

Conclusion - 46:32 - 48:42

Youtube video: https://youtu.be/Sq7-brM4ppo

Local Motion Safaris - https://www.localmotionsafaris.com/

Sources

A.B.C Ocholla Ayayo, “Traditional ideology and ethics among the Southern Luo”, The Scandinavian Institute of African Studies Uppsala, 1976

Harry Johnston, “The Uganda Protectorate”, New York Dodd Mead & Company, 1904.

Heike Behrand, “Resurrecting Cannibals: The Catholic Church, Witch-Hunts and the Production of Pagans in Western Uganda” James Currey, 2011

Isiko Alexander Paul, “An Expository Study of Witchcraft among the Basoga of Uganda” International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education (IJHSSE) Volume 6, Issue 12, December 2019, PP 83-96

Isaac Christopher Lubogo, “Law of Witchcraft in Uganda Sorcery and Illuminati in Uganda, A Philosophical Discourse”, Suigeneris Publishers, 2022.

John Beattie, “The Story of Mariya and Yozefu: A Case Study from Bunyoro, Uganda”, Africa: Journal of the International African Institute , pp. 105-115 (11pages), Cambridge University Press, 1964.

J.W. Nyakatura, “Anatomy of an African Kingdom” (New York: Nok Publishers, 1973)

Tibamanya Mwene Mushanga, “Criminal Homicide in Uganda: A Sociological study of violent deaths in Ankole,Kigezi and Toro Districts of Western Uganda”, 2013

Tom Kwanya, “Stigmatisation of Indigenous Knowledge: The Case of Night Running in Western Kenya” Journal of Religion in Africa Vol. 48, Fasc. 4 (2020), pp. 376-392

Okot P’Bitek, “Religion of the Central Luo” Kenya Literature Bureau University of Minnesota, 1978

Web Sources

https://ugandaradionetwork.net/story/two-wanted-for-raping-suspected-night-dancer - Aisha Nalwanga

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/night-runners-kenya

https://ugandansatheart.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/night-dancing-is-associated-with-cannibalism-not-mental-illness-ssalongo/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqHpE7wfnC0&ab_channel=SaltMediaUganda

https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2015/august/pamela-newkirk-on-ota-benga-at-the-bronx-zoo.html - Ota Benga

https://www.lynchburgmuseum.org/blog/2021/8/9/ota-benga-mbye-otabenga - Ota Benga

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/bukunja-the-infamous-land-of-night-dancers--1576818

https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1023716-eichmann-in-jerusalem#:~:text=Evil%20comes%20from%20a%20failure,is%20the%20banality%20of%20evil. - Hannah Arendt

https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/blog/hannah-arendts-lessons-for-our-times-the-banality-of-evil-totalitarianism-and-statelessness/ -Hannah Arendt

https://www.newvision.co.ug/news/1047829/proud-cannibal - Benedict Seruwu story

Special thanks to Elizabeth Atuhaire and her neighbours for sharing with me their night dancer stories.