video transcript

WARNING - VIDEO CONTAINS NUDITY Thousands of young virgins perform Swaziland's annual reed dance. They sing and dance together as they deliver the reed to the royal residence. For the next eight days, up to 80,000 young maidens dressed in bright coloured clothing will perform before the king and Queen Mother. The centuries-old event that pays homage to the Swazi royal family - attracts thousands of much need tourists to the impoverished country. King Mswati III, who already has about 12 wives, is also free to choose another wife from among the dancers.