Christian Dance Duo HolyFlames Under Fire For "Secular" Moves

Recently, the Jamaican dance duo, HolyFlames, sparked a heated debate after a spirited performance that included the "Mnike" dance during a gospel concert featuring renowned minister Prince Saj. This performance ignited controversy within the local Christian community, with many arguing on the social platform TikTok that incorporating these kinds of dance styles into worship mixes "kingdom culture" with secular elements, potentially undermining the sanctity of worship.

Mnike is a bi-product of the Amapiano genre that emerged in South Africa around 2010, characterized by its unique blend of kwaito, deep house, soul, and lounge music elements. It quickly gained popularity across the continent and beyond, leading to the creation of numerous dance styles that accompany its infectious beats. One standout track in this genre is Mnike by Tyler ICU and Tumela_za which has become synonymous with the accompanying dance that showcases vibrant footwork, intricate body movements, and a high-energy atmosphere.

The Mnike dance, in particular, is known for its playful and expressive nature. It includes a variety of movements said to represent the evocation of a trance-like state, characterized by features such as shaking of the body, and fluttering eyes, which many consider to symbolize the channeling of ancestral energy and connect the dancer to the music and culture.

While the Holy Flames dancers, comprising "Keke" and "Purpose", incorporated many elements of this dance during their performance, it is worth noting that they did not include the specific fluttering eye movement, which can amplify the spiritual aspects of the dance.

While dance is a universal expression of culture and creativity, many genres, including secular ones, often find their way into church settings. This convergence does not inherently imply that all dances deemed as secular are inappropriate for worship; rather, it calls for a nuanced understanding of the meanings behind these movements.

For viewers who find it distasteful for the simple reason that their dance moves are energetic, those assessments are null and void, as dancing with energy does not indicate ungodliness. It is essential, however, to dissect the significance of specific dances and their historical context to discern their appropriateness in a spiritual setting.

As the debate surrounding the Holy Flames performance illustrates, the integration of Amapiano dance styles into worship raises important questions about the blending of cultural practices with Christian principles. Critics argue that this fusion risks diluting the gospel message and blurring the lines between sacred and secular practices, particularly given the spiritual implications tied to the ancestral connections of the Mnike dance. The fluttering eye movements associated with the dance may depict a deep connection to African spiritual traditions, further complicating its reception within a Christian context.

Despite the rich cultural significance of Amapiano and its dances, Christian congregations must engage in open dialogue about the implications of such practices. Celebrating heritage is vital, but it is crucial to ensure that cultural expressions remain aligned with biblical truth. The integration of Amapiano dance styles into worship should be approached with discernment, prioritizing a focus on God while being cognizant of the historical and spiritual connotations of these dances.

The group has also been criticized for incorporating other secular dance moves into their choreography such as "rifle walk", created by Brian 'Coote Boss' Creary. The move was made while Creary attended a memorial dancing to Bad Everyday by Jamaican dancehall artiste, Skilibeng.

Rifle Walk has been linked to many other dancehall tracks, raising the question, "Why is HolyFlames using dance moves known to be worldly or secular? What image does that portray? The Bible states clearly that we ought to shun the very appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22-24). The Kingdom of God must be set apart indeed and we should call a spade what it is. The conversation is well needed, and at the same time, those involved should remember to judge righteously with the intent to restore, not to alienate or condemn.