IT’S all systems go for the Chamba Chamakolo Gule Wamkulu cultural gathering, where local and foreign ensembles are set to showcase Nyau culture in Mufakose, Harare, on September 29.
Themed Bringing Together Pioneers, Legends and new-Generation of Gule Wamkulu Cultural Dance, the ceremony is a vital part of Chewa cultural heritage, according to the organisers.
In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style, event co-ordinator Notice Tineyi Mazura, popularly known as Boss Bingu, said the event was a showcase of “our rich spiritual tradition and connections, relationships and sense of belonging”.
“A lot of people have negative misconceptions about Nyau culture. Some say it is evil, while others might think it’s for the uneducated, but those are lies. So, we are hosting this event to advocate the preservation of cultural values and challenging fallacies,” Mazura said.
“The ceremony is a vital part of Chewa cultural heritage, showcasing our rich spiritual tradition and connections, relationships and sense of belonging that we have with others in our community.”
The event, which will run from 2pm to 10pm at the corner of Crowborough Way and Mutamba Drive, will feature local and foreign dance groups, including Pineapple Gule Wamkulu dance troupe from South Africa.
Co-organiser Clement “Chief Marimo” Mateyesanwa said apart from entertainment, the event will play a critical role in teaching locals about Chewa culture through Nyau traditions.
“The Chamba Chamakholo event is meant to unify everyone and clarify perceived grey areas for those from different cultures. We also feel that parts of the Nyau culture have been diluted or misinterpreted and this gathering will help demystify everything,” Chief Marimo said.
“We have organised the event in such a way that there will be various Chamba Chamakholo, Nyau performances and we will also have other local cultural dances, so we invite everyone to come as it will be an electrifying mixed bag of cultural showcase.”
