Malawi is richly endowed with intangible cultural assets, particularly among the Chewa communities of the central and southern regions. In the south, they are commonly called mang’anja, but they share a common ancestry with their Central Region counterparts. Together, they trace their roots to the once extensive and vibrant Maravi Empire. Much of this remarkable heritage, however, remains insufficiently explored and underused as a source of cultural and economic opportunity.
About 30 kilometres south of Lilongwe lies Msinja, once the religious centre of the Maravi Kingdom. Here, the Banda clan presided over various religious ceremonies, while the revered Chewa prophetess, Makewana (Mother of All), resided at this important centre. Early Portuguese explorers were reportedly astonished by the splendour surrounding her. Accounts describe her sleeping on a bed fashioned from ivory tusks.
Makewana had numerous attendants, each with specific responsibilities in the practice of Chewa religion. Among them was Tsang’oma Mwale, the official drummer, whose task was to communicate important messages to the wider community. Whenever Makewana received oracles from Chauta (God), she instructed Tsang’oma to beat a drum known as Mbiriwiri. Its name derived from mbiri, meaning news or tidings, which it carried to the people. The drum thus connected the spiritual leadership with the wider community.
Several years ago, an ambitious project was proposed to transform Nyumba ya Tsang’oma (Tsang’oma’s House), Tchemba la Tsang’oma (Tsang’oma’s Tunnel), and the surrounding territory into a tourist attraction. Constructed by Chewa engineers, the tunnel provided refuge for people fleeing tribal conflicts, particularly during the period when Ngoni invaders attacked earlier inhabitants. Its significance therefore lies not merely in its construction, but also in the history of conflict and survival it represents.
The development was envisaged to include tourist accommodation and an events and camping garden in a bushy setting. It would offer an ideal venue for traditional night fires, dances, storytelling and braais, allowing visitors to experience Chewa traditions in a natural environment.
A ten-minute drive from Tsang’oma would take visitors to Msampha Village, earmarked as the main events centre. Covering about five hectares, it was to accommodate a campsite for dancers from different districts, a mini-stadium, car park, restaurants serving local dishes, a clinic and shops selling traditional regalia, curios, pottery and memorabilia. An art gallery and museum would complete the facilities, showcasing the community’s artistic and historical treasures.
If the project materialises, Msampha Village will become a showcase of Chewa cultural expression. Visitors will enjoy a variety of traditional dances, including gulewamkulu, the master of all dances, and lesser-known performances such as chitelera, mgwanda, kasodo and chimtali. Traditional pastimes will also feature, including nsikwa and nguli competitions, in which participants demonstrate their skill by spinning specially made objects. Ntchuwa, a game resembling bawo, played with pebbles in miniature pits dug into the ground, is another likely attraction.
An annual cultural carnival is envisaged, giving visitors the opportunity to witness the full range of Chewa dances and pastimes. Gulewamkulu is particularly spectacular. Audiences will be able to watch its remarkable characters perform: the towering makanja, dancing gracefully on stilts; the acrobatic gologolo, climbing a pole and balancing at its tip; the stylish nyolonyo, dancing in formation; and the animal-like kasiyamaliro, gliding across the ground with astonishing grace. Many other characters will add to the spectacle. UNESCO recognised gulewamkulu as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2005. Smaller cultural events would also take place regularly throughout the year.
This columnist was reliably informed that a British investor, working with the Chewa Foundation through its development arm, Heritage Sites Development, was expected to develop the site. The aim was to preserve the Chewa way of life while introducing it to the wider world. This is especially important because aspects of African culture were suppressed during the colonial era. Kulamba, the annual gathering of Chewa chiefs from Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique at Mkaika, headquarters of the Chewa King in Zambia, was banned by British administrators in 1934. Ucwala, the annual Ngoni ceremony held at King Mphezeni’s headquarters in Eastern Zambia, was also prohibited.
It is encouraging that we are looking afresh at our cultural heritage, searching within it and seeking to revive traditions and practices once threatened with extinction. These are not simply relics of the past. Properly preserved and presented, they can attract visitors and generate income, while reminding us of our origins and giving future generations a connection with their history. Investors genuinely committed to preserving and promoting this heritage should be welcomed. The venture could create employment for guides, performers, craftspeople, caterers and other small businesses. Investing in local culture is an investment in Malawi’s identity and prosperity, and in the cultural inheritance of humanity.
