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Dholuo is the language spoken by Jo Luo- a Nilotic ethnic group living in the Nyanza region of Kenya and north Mara region of Tanzania.They form part of a larger group of ethno-linguistically related luo people of East Africa among them are Anywaa, Pari, Shilluk, Padhola, lang'o  Acholi, and of course Jonam of western Uganda and Eastern D.R Congo.

Dholuo is a combination of two words ‘Dho’ loosely translated to mouth's of and ‘luo’ the people which can be easily be translated to the mouths or wordings of the Luo people. 

Jo-luo (plural)are the people of luo as Ja-luo denotes singularity,it should be noted that among these people Ja signifies all genders but in some cases 'Ja' is used to denote male while ‘nya’ signifies a female luo.

 Dho luo speakers are dialectically differentiated that is; Trans Yala dialect in Siaya county (Ugenya and Alego) of Kenya and south Nyanza luo spreading  all the way to Tanzania (standard dholuo).

Jo Luo are the largest speakers of  Luo tribes at about 10 million speakers as at Kenyan census of 2019.

The history of the Luo can be traced back to migrants who moved into western Kenya from Uganda between the 15th and 20th centuries. They are closely related to other Luo peoples in Uganda, especially the Acholi and Padhola people. As the Luo migrated into Kenya and Tanzania, they encountered other communities in the region, leading to significant genetic and cultural admixture.

Traditionally, the Luo people practiced a mixed economy of cattle pastoralism, seed farming, and fishing, supplemented by hunting. Today, they are well-represented in various professions and trades, including intellectual and skilled labor, tenant fishing, small-scale farming, and urban work. Luo individuals have made significant contributions to modern culture and civilization, with notable figures such as Tom Mboya, Barack Obama, and Lupita Nyong'o achieving international recognition in politics, academia, and the arts.

The Luo homeland is located in the eastern Lake Victoria basin, with an average altitude ranging from 3700 to 6000 feet above sea level. The region experiences average rainfall and is characterized by tropical latitudes. The Luo people have a rich cultural heritage and have been the originators of popular music genres such as benga and ohangla, with benga being one of Africa's most popular genres.