Concert 2021 - "Zyaluminwa Zyayanzana"
CHIKUNI CONCERT: A SILO OF TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE
The Chikuni Tonga Music Festival now in its 20th year remains a shining example of a successful story aimed at promoting and preservation of the Tonga tradition and culture through music and dance.
From the humble beginnings of a one meter high stage in the year 2000 to an aluminium mountable stage accompanied by PA system whose sound skips your heart, the Tonga Festival has seen an overwhelming increase in both participants and spectators.
An event which traces its roots to Chikuni Mission was born by Chikuni Radio early 2000 with a view to revive Tonga traditional music which was on the verge of extinction. For the Tongas music is a way of life – listening to it is like taking a journey through the lives of the people from the norms, taboos and every aspect of their lives.
Whether there are tales of suffering, warrior dances, music celebrating a girl who has come of age, or a guitarist deploring the waning away of traditions, the annual music festival remains an important part in the renaissance of the local culture.
This year (2021) Chikuni Radio the brains behind the event managed to pull another successful event after failure to do so in the previous year following a ban on public gatherings due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic in December 2019.
Over 65 Bands participated in this year’s Concert with additional 20 performances showcased by Mukanzubo Kalinda Cultural Institute, an arm of the Radio Station that researches and documents indigenous Tonga Music.
The festival which facilitates the passing down of traditions by the older generation to the young ones saw the coming together of all ages of Tonga people from far and wide.
For the first time since the inception of the event 20 years ago, three traditional leaders among them His Royal Highness Chief Mukuni of Kazungula District, Paramount Chief Monze and Hamusonde both of Monze District were among key figures that attended the event.
“Do not forget your traditions; learn where your country has come from by embracing our culture. Show love to everyone and preserve what we are witnessing today”, said Chief Monze as he addressed the crowds that attended the event.
The festival was also graced by Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu who highlighted government desire to see the event grow and be replicated in other areas.
Kezia Munsanje has been the Chief Adjudicator of the performances for the past 5 years and her wish is for the music and dances to be documented in books for the younger generations to easily access this information and eventually pass it on to the unborn.
The 2021 Concert was held under the theme “Zyaluminwa Zyayanzana” which calls for unity across all sections of life especially in times when we are faced with a common enemy despite our different beliefs.
“The theme resonates well with the current situation, as we reflect on how the Covid19 pandemic has affected us. Since Zambia recorded its first case, we have lost a good number of beloved family members, friends, and relatives”, says Father Emmanuel Maanya who represented the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Monze, Fr. Francesco Airoldi in the key note address.
Raphael Moonga, has been a keen follower of the Chikuni Tonga Musical Festival since 2000, he believes the event is central in encouraging children to learn and understand who they are despite cultural integration following advancement in technologies as well as resettlements.
“We are seeing the concept being replicated in villages, a situation that gladdens our heart because your efforts as a radio Station (Chikuni Radio) are not in vain”, says Mr. Moonga.
Despite having successfully held the Festival in the past 20 years, a lot still needs to be done in sustaining organization of this prestigious one of a kind cultural event focused on reviving the Tonga traditions culture through music and dance.
Everyone needs to come on board and contribute in one way or other. We need to supplement each other’s effort.
Fredinand Syanyuka
The Chikuni Tonga Music Festival now in its 20th year remains a shining example of a successful story aimed at promoting and preservation of the Tonga tradition and culture through music and dance.
From the humble beginnings of a one meter high stage in the year 2000 to an aluminium mountable stage accompanied by PA system whose sound skips your heart, the Tonga Festival has seen an overwhelming increase in both participants and spectators.
An event which traces its roots to Chikuni Mission was born by Chikuni Radio early 2000 with a view to revive Tonga traditional music which was on the verge of extinction. For the Tongas music is a way of life – listening to it is like taking a journey through the lives of the people from the norms, taboos and every aspect of their lives.
Whether there are tales of suffering, warrior dances, music celebrating a girl who has come of age, or a guitarist deploring the waning away of traditions, the annual music festival remains an important part in the renaissance of the local culture.
This year (2021) Chikuni Radio the brains behind the event managed to pull another successful event after failure to do so in the previous year following a ban on public gatherings due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic in December 2019.
Over 65 Bands participated in this year’s Concert with additional 20 performances showcased by Mukanzubo Kalinda Cultural Institute, an arm of the Radio Station that researches and documents indigenous Tonga Music.
The festival which facilitates the passing down of traditions by the older generation to the young ones saw the coming together of all ages of Tonga people from far and wide.
For the first time since the inception of the event 20 years ago, three traditional leaders among them His Royal Highness Chief Mukuni of Kazungula District, Paramount Chief Monze and Hamusonde both of Monze District were among key figures that attended the event.
“Do not forget your traditions; learn where your country has come from by embracing our culture. Show love to everyone and preserve what we are witnessing today”, said Chief Monze as he addressed the crowds that attended the event.
The festival was also graced by Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu who highlighted government desire to see the event grow and be replicated in other areas.
Kezia Munsanje has been the Chief Adjudicator of the performances for the past 5 years and her wish is for the music and dances to be documented in books for the younger generations to easily access this information and eventually pass it on to the unborn.
The 2021 Concert was held under the theme “Zyaluminwa Zyayanzana” which calls for unity across all sections of life especially in times when we are faced with a common enemy despite our different beliefs.
“The theme resonates well with the current situation, as we reflect on how the Covid19 pandemic has affected us. Since Zambia recorded its first case, we have lost a good number of beloved family members, friends, and relatives”, says Father Emmanuel Maanya who represented the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Monze, Fr. Francesco Airoldi in the key note address.
Raphael Moonga, has been a keen follower of the Chikuni Tonga Musical Festival since 2000, he believes the event is central in encouraging children to learn and understand who they are despite cultural integration following advancement in technologies as well as resettlements.
“We are seeing the concept being replicated in villages, a situation that gladdens our heart because your efforts as a radio Station (Chikuni Radio) are not in vain”, says Mr. Moonga.
Despite having successfully held the Festival in the past 20 years, a lot still needs to be done in sustaining organization of this prestigious one of a kind cultural event focused on reviving the Tonga traditions culture through music and dance.
Everyone needs to come on board and contribute in one way or other. We need to supplement each other’s effort.
Fredinand Syanyuka
© Chikuni Radio - Yala Media
Enjoy the few pictures from the Concert.
More coming soon ...!!!
Enjoy the few pictures from the Concert.
More coming soon ...!!!