Balanta Kentoche people, meaning literally “those who resist”, are an ethnic group found in Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and the Gambia in West Africa. They are the largest ethnic group of Guinea-Bissau, representing more than one-quarter of the population. In Guinea-Bissau they live in the southern coastal regions.

The Balanta Kentoche people have initiation rites at various states of the individual’s life. Each phase of life, from childhood to adulthood, is regulated by an initiation that marks the entrance into a new social category. From early childhood up to age 15, the child belongs to the category of Nwatch. Around age 18 to 20 the individual enters the Fuur and then enters the Nghaye around age 25. Around age 30, according to the rites of Kgness a man will be authorized to take a woman.

The Balanta practice indigenous, spiritual customs and rites. In the Balanta society, God is believed to be far away, and communication with the Almighty is established through their spiritual practices and traditions.