Organisers of Kungoni Cultural Festival in Dedza say this year’s event will in a special way remember its founder the late Father Claude Boucher.
Kungoni Centre for Culture and Art director Father Brendan O’shea said the festival is scheduled for August 9 at Kungoni in Dedza.
He said since it will be almost a year since Boucher died, they will celebrate his contribution to the preservation of culture and arts.
Father O’shea, therefore, called on people from all walks of life to patronise this year’s festival.
He said Boucher, popularly known as Achisale, who died last year, founded the centre in 1976 in conjunction with people of Kungoni.
“We will conduct Mass to celebrate his life since it is almost a year since he died. The Mass will begin at 8am. There will also be a traditional Mass with traditional songs by people of Kungoni,” he said.
Father O’shea, also known as Angozo, said after the Mass, activities such as poetry recitals, traditional dances, and folktales, among others, will be performed at the festival which was launched in 2001.
He said the festival will also be way of commending local communities for their incredible work at the centre through sharing of their history, culture, and rituals.
Father O’shea said this year’s festival will be held under the theme ‘Let us serve our country with vision’.
He said: “It is this theme which will guide our inter-religious prayer service and our many dances, drama and poetry. So, we are looking forward to a fruitful time of reflection. We know you will enjoy the fruits of our work.”
Father O’shea said during last year’s festival, they reminded people that as citizens of Malawi, they all play a part in making the country a success.
“This year is also important for us Malawians as we will be choosing new leaders for our country. As Kungoni team, we believe that we also have a role to play in helping people to prepare for this important event,” he said.
The Amahoro Drummers from Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa, who will perform during the festival, said in a separate interview that their preparations are on course.
The group’s coordinator Nzigamasabo Simon said their group, comprising drummers, dancers and singers is excited to be part of the festival to share their culture with those that will be in attendance.
“Our preparations are going on well. We are rehearsing with great energy and focus to deliver an unforgettable cultural performance. People should expect a powerful and unique experience of Burundi Royal Drumming—rich rhythms, vibrant dances and traditional songs that celebrate peace, unity, and culture,” he said.
Amahoro Drummers has 18 members and was founded in 2006.
