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Zilakoma elevated with Tonga pomp
By
Francis Tayanjah-Phiri - 10-06-2002 |
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Travelling between Nkhata Bay and Dwam-bazi on June 1st, 2002, no sane eye could have missed it. The pomp.
People travelling in cars, minibuses, and pedestrians—mainly those not from the vicinity of Tukombo, were wondering what the colourful festival was about. Was it a political rally? Nay, there were no flags. A wedding? Again no—no white veil, at least from close range.
But, sifting through the excited crowd, one got the right feeling of a cultural event. Malipenga dancers—some in all-white, and the others donning bright feathers on their headgear—led a procession of Chiefs, in their official robs.
Upon seeing that scenario, every stranger along the road knew the function had something to do with chiefs. It wasn’t an ordinary cultural event.
For the keen ones, vehicles could be seen parking along the road, close to Tukombo UDF office (whose grounds hosted the colourful event). Everyone was eager to find out exactly what was happening—after being enticed by the immaculate set up of the venue and colour accompanying the gathering.
Songs by women Chioda dancers, youthful Chilimika dancers and colourful Malipe-nga masters, were welcoming thousands of people who had come from near and beyond. All had come to witness this historic event—the installation ceremony of a Tonga Chief, Traditional Authority Zila-koma. To be precise, the elevation of Zilakoma chieftaincy from Sub Chief to full status of a Traditional Authority.
While people travelling along the road merely envied the set up from the vehicles they were travelling in, invited guests were beaming with anticipation of what they were to witness.
Then, just after noon, a group of chiefs were seen gathering near one of the three platforms that had been erected to sit different peoples. They (the chiefs) then started walking towards Nkhata Bay.
Twenty minutes later, melodious Malipenga vibes were heard from the
direction the chiefs had gone. Many of those who had never witnessed an installation of a Tonga chief, gave themselves away with their anxiety— they made effort to grasp every detail.
Gradually, a procession of chiefs led by a group of Malipenga dancers in their bright headgear, and another in all white-danced towards the installation ground. An observant eye could, however, not miss two figures, covered in a chitenje from head to toe, enveloped by the chiefs’ procession. I anxiously asked one of the elders around who those figures were. The answer was an adamant, “wait and see”.
Slowly, while the Malipenga songs continued setting the pace of the parade, the chiefs approached the ground and finally positioned themselves at one of the three platforms. The chitenje wrapped figures were made to sit on two sofa seats in the front row. By then twelve other people had already taken their seats on that platform.
The programme started with a prayer and a brief sermon by Rev. Chimwembe, who preached love and wisdom. The sermon was blended with ululation and the traditional Mbata (horn) blowing—which according to one of the elders, Chief Mankhambira, signified a chief’’s authority.
Blending ancient and modern, Mzuzu based gospel music master, Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango and his group opened the entertainment airwaves with their popular Titemwanenge song. The song captivated the audience and women could not help ululating to the maximum as men clapped hands.
After Mhango’s performance several dances sampled the arena. Chioda, Chilimika and Malipenga dancers from different places within the perimetres of Chief Zilakoma’s area, captivated the audience.
The toast of the day was, however, the Tukombo youth dancing troupe—a group of 16 girls and boys that danced to the tune of Kwaito vibes with a bit of R&B.; Their dancing antics mesmerised the audience. The troupe—with boys donning yellow-blue stripped shirts and black trousers, girls wearing black bodysuits, trousers and a matching bandana wrapped in the waist—were a beauty to watch.
But, the dancing session could not be wrapped well without Waya Boma of Malipenga dancers. In their immaculate uniform, their steps matched well with melodies of the slow numbers they dished. As the men danced, well-dressed ladies—including some distinguished guests—went around to wipe sweat of the dancers, while proudly ululating.
Even with the end of the dancing programme, the excitement did not simmer
off. The audience’s anticipation reached the climax. It was time to witness
the occasion for which they had all come: The installation.
The Royal Zilakoma family rose, leading the new chief to the installation dais. Acting Senior Chief Kabunduli, whose chieftaincy is senior among the Tongas’ Phiri clan, put a red cloth around Chief Zilakoma-to-be. This signified the Tonga chiefs’ acceptance that Thomson Chirwa, 72, can rule between Dwambazi (south) and Mayaya (north) as chief.
Amid ululation, Deputy Local
Government minister Tarsizio
Yetala, on behalf of State President Bakili Muluzi, took the floor to install Chirwa as Traditional Chief Zilakoma. He did so by removing the new chief’s chitenje and helped him don a golden robe. As this was happening Arthur Ng’oma, who had earlier narrated the Zilakoma Mkoka’s history of chieftaincy stood nearby thumbing—probably assuring the ancestors that their selection was withheld.
And beaming with pride were all Tonga chiefs present—who by the said Mkoka were related to the Zilakoma house. These were Senior Chief Kanyenda, Chief Fukizila of Nkhotakota and Chief Kaluluma of Kasungu. And many chiefs from Nkhata Bay, led by Acting Chief Kabunduli—who hosted the ceremony.
The newly installed Chief Zilakoma looked composed and strong despite his age and the heat he had endured in the chitenje he was wrapped earlier in the day.
He sat down cast on the sofa seat—close to his wife who, likewise, had her face down. Though looking humble, traits of authority could be seen
surrounding him—confirming his full traditional authority.
And, proud of the way the ceremony had taken on, acting senior chief Kanyenda hailed the Tongas for remembering their culture.
“When you remember your history as you did in your Mkoka, and upkeep your culture, it shows we have not abandoned our tradition. This is significant since our culture is a true reflection of our tribe,” said acting senior chief Kabunduli.
Kabunduli, as culture demanded, led in advising the new chief of his roles and thanked Dr. Bakili Muluzi for being at the forefront in respecting culture.
And showing the respect of culture, UDF first-vice president Aleke Banda who is also Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation and Yetala, took the platform to educate the masses on the importance of culture in the development of the country.
Banda, himself a Tonga, spoke in the local language, praising the State President for supporting the elevation of Chief Zilakoma through moral and material support.
Both Banda and Yetala could not help joining in the dances. They also gave mfupo (a token of appreciation) to the performing groups. The new chief was also showered with gifts from the ministers, politicians, civil servants, fellow chiefs and indeed all his subjects, as a morale booster.
It was late in the afternoon that travellers who had decided to take time off their trips to witness the colourful occasion could proceed on their trips—happy and satisfied that their time had been well spent.
Zilakoma’s installation achieved all glamour befitting a Tonga chief. |
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