Ngonis gear up for N’cwala Cultural Festival

Ngonis will from February 24 to 26 celebrate their culture during a festival called N’cwala. Ngonis from Mchinji under Mchinji Ngoni Heritage Association (Mngoha), Maseko Ngonis and Jere Ngonis will attend the event which will take place in Zambia at Laweni Palace in Mtenguleni.

In an interview, Mngoha spokesperson Brian Sibande said the event is a celebration of first harvests and thanking the Creator for the good rains.

“It is celebrated by the Ngoni people of Eastern Zambia and Mchinji in Malawi under the leadership of His Royal Highness Mpezeni Jere IV,” he said.

Sibande said on Friday, Ngoni warriors, chiefs and visitors will pay homage to Mpezeni Jere at his palace. There will also be a special audience between Mpezeni Jere and all visiting Ngoni chiefs.

“The chiefs will brief Mpezeni Jere how the kraals are fairing. It is part of the culture that all chiefs go to the event with their wives,” he said.

According to Sibande, the main event will take place on Saturday, February 26 when all invited groups will meet at the main arena for dances, food and other cultural showcases.

According to Sibande, Ngonis from Malawi will showcase Ngoma and Ingoma dances.

In an earlier interview, Sungani Zakwathu Cultural Heritage Association artistic and executive director Mathews Mfune said N’cwala Cultural Festival is important in the preservation of culture.

“The festival helps preserve the Ngoni culture and brings the people together,” he said.

The event is supported by the Zambian Ministry of Tourism and Arts, among many stakeholders, according to Lusakatimes.com.