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Umhlangano wa Maseko tomorrow

 

As they do around this time of the year, it is time for Maseko Ngonis to take their spot in the limelight. It is a weekend that promises cultural entertainment at Manda aGomani in the area of Nkolimbo in Ntcheu as Ngonis in the country as well as Mozambique and Tanzania will converge tomorrow for the cultural festival.

The ceremony is known as Umhlangano wa Maseko Gomani, where only Maseko Ngoni gather to showcase and celebrate their tradition and culture.

Maseko Ngonis take part in the ceremonial Ingoma dance during last year’s Umhlangano wa Maseko
Maseko Ngonis take part in the ceremonial Ingoma dance during last year’s Umhlangano wa Maseko

During the event, dances such as uyeni, nkhwendo, ngoma and msindo will take centre stage to showcase Ngoni Maseko culture.

As Inkosi Yamakhosi Gomani V explains, this year, people from different cultural groups in the country will attend the occasion.

“Even though it is called Umhlangano wa Maseko, still we invite people of different tribes such as Tumbuka, Lomwe, Senga, Chewa, Sena and others to attend,” said Gomani in an interview with Chill on Wednesday.

Explaining how this year’s event has been organised, Gomani said there are several activities lined up to spice up the event.

“It is a package of different activities because we will welcome different groups from Tanzania, another group of Ngonis from Zimtambira in Mozambique while others will come from Mzimba, Mwanza, Dedza and Thyolo,” he said.

Gomani said the function will start at 10 am, but around 5 am in the morning, there will be a ceremony of Kukhwisula pa Manda that involves paying homage to the spirits of the dead by offering sacrifices.

The ceremony will take place at Gomani Chikuse grave.

Gomani: As a, we always promote peace
Gomani: As a, we always promote peace

Chikuse was known as a courageous man who fought for the rights of local people. He was later killed by the colonial settlers.

Kukhwisula pa Manda is attended only by men.

“It is our way of giving due respect to our chief who fought for our freedom. Then we ask for blessings. It is a very brief ceremony but it happens early in the morning. After that, we get ready for the actual ceremony,” said Gomani.

Another function that will also entertain people is kuulutsa nkhunda where the chief releases a white dove to symbolise peace.

“Development occurs when there is peace in the country. As Ngonis, we always promote peace. This ceremony is an indication that we need peace as it will accelerate development in our country,” he said.

This year’s festival has faced different hiccups such as the death of Inkosi Phambala, who was in the organising committee of this function last year and the death of Inkosi Bvumbwe.

Gomani said there will be a moment during the event to honour the two.

“It is sad that we will miss them. It is sad to me also because I am related to both of them,” he said.

Talking about the preparations for the event, Gomani said everything is almost set and that people from different tribes should come and attend.

“As I am talking, we have arranged a ceremony to take place this Friday [today] afternoon when we will see dancers performing and we sample those who will showcase during the ceremony. Those attending the function have been communicated to, so I can say everything is almost done.”

People will also know the history of the Maseko Ngoni and there will be a display of Ngoni paraphernalia. n

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