When Music Goes Viral, Maps Change.
In late February, French rap icon GIMS dropped Ninao, a track built on the hypnotic refrain of “Gandagana,” a centuries‑old folk song from Adjara, western Georgia. A few days later the official video landed on YouTube and TikTok feeds alike; searches for “GIMS Ninao BTS in Georgia” skyrocketed, and Georgian streams of the artist’s catalogue shot up by several‑hundred percent on YouTube and Spotify.
The clip features the swirling Adjaruli (also written Acharuli or Ajaruli) dance – supple wrists, playful footwork, embroidered velvet, sea‑blue silk – performed by a Paris‑based Georgian ensemble. In three punchy minutes Georgia’s alphabet flashes across the single cover, its mountains fill the screen, and the country’s culture steps onto the global stage.
Why Gandagana Hits So Hard
Gandagana started life as a ritual work‑chant. Over time it morphed into a quick‑tempo celebration of courtship and community, the perfect backbone for Adjaruli choreography. GIMS kept the song’s spine – the pulsing “nina‑o, nina‑o” chorus – then layered francophone verses, trap drums and a festival‑ready hook. The hybrid feels fresh yet unmistakably Georgian, a bridge between Black Parisian beats and Black Sea traditions.
Adjara In Four Brushstrokes
- Sea‑meets‑summit scenery – palm‑lined Batumi Boulevard slides into misty green ridges.
- Polyphonic voices – three‑part harmonies that UNESCO calls a “masterpiece of the world’s intangible heritage.”
- Dance everywhere – weddings, harvest feasts, beachfront buskers; rhythm is daily life.
- Flavours on fire – Acharuli khachapuri boats, citrus orchards, mountain honey and qvevri wines.
From Screen To Studio: Dance It Yourself
Watching Adjaruli on loop? Step onto the parquet yourself:
Adjaruli Dance Masterclass In Batumi
– learn the signature shoulder shimmies and skirt spins right where the dance was born. Classes run daily, beginners welcome. Details & booking:
Georgian Dance Workshop In Tbilisi
– sample Adjaruli, Kartuli and Khevsuruli in one energetic session, followed by a glass of local wine. See:
Our choreographers break steps down slowly, then crank up the folk band so you leave glowing – and Instagram‑ready.
Ask our travel designers for a custom travel package linking coast, capital and highlands: private guide, boutique stays, seamless transfers – all in one fair‑priced tour to Georgia.
Cultural Performances
Georgian Dance
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