THE IMPORTANCE OF TRADITIONAL DANCING, SINGING AND BELIEFS
It is interesting that the play opens with singing and Sande drumming; it paints for us a happy society that is culturally vibrant. Yoko is in charge of this singing and dancing ensemble that also exercises
some political control in the Mende social set-up. It is from this group that Yoko emerges to occupy the throne of the land with the full support of the Sande women. The women also denounced her when she was erroneously thought to be high-handed. As the Sande women/dancers provide entertainment at every auspicious occasion, so they also provide socio-political control for the good of the society. All their actions are guided by the belief system of Mende.