Concert 2025
“Ng'ombe Tyoka Tukubone Nkookazyila”
A Celebration of Culture, Faith, and the Next Generation
Now in its 24th year, the Chikuni Music Festival continues to grow and flourish as one of Zambia’s most distinctive cultural showcases. Dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich heritage of Tonga culture through music and dance, the festival stands as a testament to tradition, creativity, and unity.
This year’s celebration was particularly special, as it coincided with the 25th anniversary of Chikuni Radio, which began broadcasting in 2000 - the very same year the festival was launched. Together, the two milestones underscore a quarter-century of commitment to culture, community, and communication.
A Festival That Has Grown with the People
From its humble beginnings as a one - day event in 2000, the festival has transformed into a vibrant two-day cultural spectacle, typically held between August and September each year. Over the years, it has attracted more than 100 bands and solo performers, delivering nonstop traditional music and dance to thousands of attendees.
Audiences are treated to a dazzling array of genres—Bukonkolo, Chiyayale, Ndikiti , Kalyaba, Kalumbu, Kuziya, Kuyabila, Kweema, Seesa, and many others—making the Chikuni Concert a living archive of Tonga cultural expression.
Youth Take the Stage
This year’s edition introduced an exciting new dimension: the inclusion of school cultural clubs from Monze, Gwembe, and Pemba districts. After months of preparation, auditions, and rehearsals that began in February, a total of 17 schools took to the stage. Their performances captivated the crowd, showcasing not only youthful energy but also a profound respect and understanding of cultural traditions.
The initiative was spearheaded by Chikuni Radio, the festival’s organizers, as part of a broader mission to ensure that Tonga traditions are not just celebrated—but passed on. By creating space for young people alongside seasoned performers, the event fostered a powerful intergenerational dialogue. It reminded everyone in attendance of where they come from—and where they are going as a people.
A Showcase of Rare and Riveting Traditions
Festival-goers were also treated to the mesmerizing sounds of Budima and Nyeele from Gwembe district, as well as the rhythmic brilliance of Bana Choongo, who performed the captivating Kukwenzya dance (meaning “to cavort”). This rare and revered dance, traditionally performed in Choongo Chiefdom in Bweengwa, spans the Kafue River and into Namwala District—regions deeply rooted in Ila Tonga heritage.
A Theme Rooted in Identity
The 2025 theme, “Ng'ombe Tyoka Tukubone Nkookazyila” – Returning to our roots, embracing our traditions,” beautifully captured the spirit of this generational handover. It called for a return to cultural pride, emphasizing the importance of nurturing identity in the face of modern influences.
Faith and Culture in Harmony
Speaking on behalf of Chikuni Radio, the Bishop of Monze Diocese, Rt. Reverend Raphael Mweempwa representative Fr. Cletus Mwiila, reminded the audience that faith and culture are not at odds—but in harmony.
“The Catholic Church has always believed that culture is a gift from God—a gift that gives life to our communities and shapes our identity,” he said.
He praised the involvement of schools and addressed the young performers:
“Dear young people, by standing on this stage, you carry forward the torch of our traditions. You remind us that culture is not something of the past—it is alive, it is present, and it belongs to the future.”
He also issued a heartfelt challenge to stakeholders:
“If we want this great cultural festival to grow stronger every year, it needs the support of us all. Support Chikuni Concert not just in words but in action. When we invest in this concert, we invest in our young people, in our culture, and in our unity as a people.”
A Vision for the Future
These sentiments resonated with the festival-goers, many of whom expressed joy at seeing young learners share the spotlight with established cultural groups. The presence of schools injected new life into the event, leaving audiences hopeful that Tonga traditions will not only survive—but thrive—for generations to come.
As the drums fell silent and dancers took their final bows, one truth stood tall: the Chikuni Concert is more than music and dance—it is a bridge between yesterday and tomorrow.
With culture as its heartbeat and faith as its compass, the festival remains a powerful reminder that a people who know their roots can never lose their way and will grow.
---
By Fredinand Syanyuka
Head of Programming and Public Relations at Chikuni Radio with extensive experience in media, culture, and community engagement
Now in its 24th year, the Chikuni Music Festival continues to grow and flourish as one of Zambia’s most distinctive cultural showcases. Dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich heritage of Tonga culture through music and dance, the festival stands as a testament to tradition, creativity, and unity.
This year’s celebration was particularly special, as it coincided with the 25th anniversary of Chikuni Radio, which began broadcasting in 2000 - the very same year the festival was launched. Together, the two milestones underscore a quarter-century of commitment to culture, community, and communication.
A Festival That Has Grown with the People
From its humble beginnings as a one - day event in 2000, the festival has transformed into a vibrant two-day cultural spectacle, typically held between August and September each year. Over the years, it has attracted more than 100 bands and solo performers, delivering nonstop traditional music and dance to thousands of attendees.
Audiences are treated to a dazzling array of genres—Bukonkolo, Chiyayale, Ndikiti , Kalyaba, Kalumbu, Kuziya, Kuyabila, Kweema, Seesa, and many others—making the Chikuni Concert a living archive of Tonga cultural expression.
Youth Take the Stage
This year’s edition introduced an exciting new dimension: the inclusion of school cultural clubs from Monze, Gwembe, and Pemba districts. After months of preparation, auditions, and rehearsals that began in February, a total of 17 schools took to the stage. Their performances captivated the crowd, showcasing not only youthful energy but also a profound respect and understanding of cultural traditions.
The initiative was spearheaded by Chikuni Radio, the festival’s organizers, as part of a broader mission to ensure that Tonga traditions are not just celebrated—but passed on. By creating space for young people alongside seasoned performers, the event fostered a powerful intergenerational dialogue. It reminded everyone in attendance of where they come from—and where they are going as a people.
A Showcase of Rare and Riveting Traditions
Festival-goers were also treated to the mesmerizing sounds of Budima and Nyeele from Gwembe district, as well as the rhythmic brilliance of Bana Choongo, who performed the captivating Kukwenzya dance (meaning “to cavort”). This rare and revered dance, traditionally performed in Choongo Chiefdom in Bweengwa, spans the Kafue River and into Namwala District—regions deeply rooted in Ila Tonga heritage.
A Theme Rooted in Identity
The 2025 theme, “Ng'ombe Tyoka Tukubone Nkookazyila” – Returning to our roots, embracing our traditions,” beautifully captured the spirit of this generational handover. It called for a return to cultural pride, emphasizing the importance of nurturing identity in the face of modern influences.
Faith and Culture in Harmony
Speaking on behalf of Chikuni Radio, the Bishop of Monze Diocese, Rt. Reverend Raphael Mweempwa representative Fr. Cletus Mwiila, reminded the audience that faith and culture are not at odds—but in harmony.
“The Catholic Church has always believed that culture is a gift from God—a gift that gives life to our communities and shapes our identity,” he said.
He praised the involvement of schools and addressed the young performers:
“Dear young people, by standing on this stage, you carry forward the torch of our traditions. You remind us that culture is not something of the past—it is alive, it is present, and it belongs to the future.”
He also issued a heartfelt challenge to stakeholders:
“If we want this great cultural festival to grow stronger every year, it needs the support of us all. Support Chikuni Concert not just in words but in action. When we invest in this concert, we invest in our young people, in our culture, and in our unity as a people.”
A Vision for the Future
These sentiments resonated with the festival-goers, many of whom expressed joy at seeing young learners share the spotlight with established cultural groups. The presence of schools injected new life into the event, leaving audiences hopeful that Tonga traditions will not only survive—but thrive—for generations to come.
As the drums fell silent and dancers took their final bows, one truth stood tall: the Chikuni Concert is more than music and dance—it is a bridge between yesterday and tomorrow.
With culture as its heartbeat and faith as its compass, the festival remains a powerful reminder that a people who know their roots can never lose their way and will grow.
---
By Fredinand Syanyuka
Head of Programming and Public Relations at Chikuni Radio with extensive experience in media, culture, and community engagement
Some pictures from the Concert
Workshops leading up to the Concert
New Initiative to Promote Tonga Music, Dance, and Folklore Among Schoolchildren in Southern Province
Chikuni Radio is excited to launch a new program aimed at promoting the teaching and learning of Tonga music, dance, and folklore among schoolchildren in the Southern Province, specifically in Gwembe, Pemba, and Monze districts.
This initiative seeks to preserve and celebrate Tonga’s rich cultural heritage, foster national pride and identity, and encourage community involvement through education.
Key Objectives
The Annual Cultural Festival will serve as the cornerstone of this initiative, celebrating Tonga’s cultural heritage by:
Chikuni Radio is excited to launch a new program aimed at promoting the teaching and learning of Tonga music, dance, and folklore among schoolchildren in the Southern Province, specifically in Gwembe, Pemba, and Monze districts.
This initiative seeks to preserve and celebrate Tonga’s rich cultural heritage, foster national pride and identity, and encourage community involvement through education.
Key Objectives
- Preserve Traditional Music and Art: Safeguard Tonga’s cultural legacy for future generations.
- Enhance Cultural Awareness: Deepen young learners’ appreciation of Zambia’s diverse cultural traditions.
- Foster Creative Skills: Nurture students’ artistic and innovative talents within the cultural arts.
- Collaborate with Educators: Partner with teachers and school administrators to strengthen cultural groups in schools.
- Train Teachers: Equip educators with the skills necessary to effectively teach Tonga music, dance, and folklore.
- Engage Schools in the Annual Tonga Festival: Provide students with opportunities to showcase their cultural talents and connect with the broader community.
The Annual Cultural Festival will serve as the cornerstone of this initiative, celebrating Tonga’s cultural heritage by:
- Showcasing student performances in Tonga music, dance, and folklore
- Highlighting the richness and diversity of Tonga cultural traditions
- Promoting cultural exchange and intergenerational community participation
A collection of pictures and videos capturing the moments leading up to the concert, including behind-the-scenes preparations, rehearsals, and fan interactions
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