Ngonis celebrate their culture in Zambia
Ngonis in Zambia and other parts of southern Africa will this weekend converge in Zambia for a three-day special cultural event called N’cwala Cultural Festival.
According to a statement from the organisers, the event will be presided over by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.
From Malawi, Ngonis from Mchinji will also attend the event led by their traditional leaders.
In an earlier interview, Mchinji Ngoni Heritage Association (Mngoha) spokesperson Brian Sibande said Ngonis from Malawi will attend the event which will take place at Laweni Palace in Mtenguleni.
Sibande said today, Ngoni warriors, chiefs and visitors will pay homage to Mpezeni Jere at his palace.
“There will also be a special audience between Mpezeni Jere and all visiting Ngoni chiefs. The chiefs will brief Mpezeni Jere on how the kraals are fairing,” he said.
According to Sibande, the main event will take place tomorrow when all invited groups will meet at the main arena for dances, food and other cultural showcases.
He said Ngonis from Malawi will showcase ngoma and ingoma dances.
A statement from the organisers indicates that the festival is about paying homage to the Ngoni ancestral spirits, commemorating their victories during their tribal wars during their migration from present day South Africa and praising the Lord for giving them fresh crops in the fields. The event will be held under the theme Promoting Healing, Unity and Reconciliation.
In an earlier interview, Sungani Zakwathu Cultural Heritage Association artistic and executive director Mathews Mfune said N’cwala Cultural Festival is a welcome development.
He said: “The event helps the concerned indigenous people to preserve their cultural expressions, beliefs and values. It also helps on intercultural dialogue through people from other ethnic groups who come to attend their festival, but it also promotes the most recent concept being championed by most countries, which is cultural tourism.”
Mfune said such festivals are avenues through which African countries display what is unique about them and attract tourists from across the world who travel to Africa to appreciate the beautiful and friendly African way of life.
