Chewas set for Kulamba

The Chewa from Malawi are set for the annual Kulamba ceremony, Chewa Heritage Foundation (Chefo) spokesperson Mark Zilirakhasu said on Wednesday.

Kulamba brings together Chewas from Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique to pay homage to their supreme ruler Kalonga Gawa Undi.

Zilirakhasu said preparations are on course for the trek to Mkaika in Katete, Zambia.

“We have traditional dances for the visit. It is an important gathering for the Achewa in the three countries who were under the Maravi Empire before colonialism brought boundaries,” said Zilirakhasu.

During the ceremony, Chewa chiefs from the three countries pay homage to the royalty, apart from briefing him on harvests in their respective areas. Zilirakhasu, however, could not say what message Malawi chiefs will take to the Kalonga.

“Apo tingalowetse dzanja m’chikho [I can’t speak for them].
They will have somebody to outline how things are,” said Zilirakhasu.