- Title: ZAMBIA: Soli people seek blessing for good harvest at traditional ceremony
- Date: 30th October 2012
- Summary: VARIOUS OF CHIEFTAINESS NKOMESHYA MUKAMAMBO II OF THE SOLI PEOPLE SORTING OUT GRAIN SEED VARIOUS OF CHIEFTAINESS NKOMESHYA MUKAMAMBO II PRAYING TO GOD CLAY POT WITH TRIBAL CUP ON TOP CHIEFTAINESS NKOMESHYA MUKAMAMBO II ON THE GROUND (SOUND BITE) (English) GREENWELL LYEMPE, HISTORIAN SAYING: "This ceremony is mainly where senior Chieftainess Mukamambo Nkomeshya ll leads the nation and the Soli to pray to the living God for the rains. Its normally done annually in which our chief will lead all the Solis to ensure that we pray to God and bless the first seeds. According to the Soli culture, no Soli is expected to plant anything unless the chief blesses and signifies this." CHIEFTAINESS NKOMESHYA MUKAMAMBO II AT THE CEREMONY VARIOUS OF CROWD AT THE CEREMONY VARIOUS OF SOLI TRADITIONAL DANCERS PERFORMING
- Embargoed: 14th November 2012 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Zambia
- Country: Zambia
- Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz,People,Religion,Religion
- Reuters ID: LVA7X136WH9193GKS10PYFNX8DJY
- Story Text: At a colourful traditional ceremony known as "Chakwela Makumbi" in Zambia's Lusaka province, dancers entertain guests who have come to witness an event that marks the beginning of the planting season for the Soli community.
During "Chakwela Makumbi" which means pulling the cloud, in the Soli language, Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo ll blesses the seeds to be sowed and prays to God for sufficient rainfall, so the country can enjoy bumper yields come harvest time.
The celebration happens once a year and according to Zambian culture, is one of the last traditional rituals of the year.
"I am very excited when I perform this dance, which is usually performed by girls that have come of age. It is very important that we show this dance to the public because it has a deep cultural meaning. As a dancer, I love traditional dances because it helps to keep our heritage alive, and uphold who we are as a people. So this is basically our culture," said Mbilishi Lyatitima, a traditional dancer.
The Soli people make up the majority of the population of Lusaka. They are deeply religious and believe in spiritual powers. They are subsistence farmers and mostly grow maize, sorghum and sweet potatoes.
"This ceremony is mainly where senior Chieftainess Mukamambo Nkomeshya ll leads the nation and the Soli to pray to the living God for the rains. Its normally done annually in which our chief will lead all the Solis to ensure that we pray to God and bless the first seeds. According to the Soli culture, no Soli is expected to plant anything unless the chief blesses and signifies this," said Greenwell Lyempe, a historian.
Zambia has a rich cultural heritage, with most of the county's over 70 ethnic groups, still upholding their traditional beliefs. Western influences and urbanization, however, are threatening to erode some of the customs.
Traditional rulers are custodians of culture and are recognised by the government, working hand in hand with the state.
The leaders are expected to economically empower their communities with resources provided by the government, but are not supposed to be partisan or participate in active politics.
Ceremonies such as "Chakwela Makumbi" that also aim to carry traditions forward from generation to generation, are attended by government officials.
"I'm happy to be here, I have seen the vice president of Zambia in person, and it is nice that we as young people take part in such ceremonies so that we can understand our heritage," said Larry kawanga, a Lusaka province resident.
More than 20 traditional ceremonies from different ethnic groups are celebrated in Zambia every year. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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