Thousands of people from Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique gathered at Mkaika in Katete District on Saturday for the 2026 Kulamba Traditional Ceremony of the Chewa people, held under the theme “Unity beyond Borders.”
The annual ceremony provides an opportunity for subordinate Chewa chiefs from the three countries to pay homage to Paramount Chief Kalonga Gawa Undi while celebrating their shared cultural heritage and strengthening traditional ties that transcend modern national boundaries.
Speaking at Mkaika, Kalonga Gawa Undi said traditional ceremonies should be used as platforms for promoting peace, unity and cultural understanding.
In a speech read on his behalf by Kulamba Fundraising Committee Chairperson Reuben Kamanga, the Paramount Chief said culture should unite people rather than promote tribalism and nationalism.
“Our culture should protect peace and unity, not tribalism and nationalism among ourselves,” he said.
Kalonga Gawa Undi said the continued participation of people from Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and other countries demonstrated the growing importance of traditional ceremonies in promoting cultural unity beyond national borders.
He also urged young people to embrace education while remaining connected to their cultural heritage.
The ceremony was graced by Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba people, who reiterated the importance of traditional institutions in preserving culture and promoting peace.
Speaking through his Secretary, Richard Mukuka, Chitimukulu said ceremonies such as Kulamba demonstrated how traditional leadership could bring people together despite differences in nationality and community.
He also called on Government to continue working with traditional leaders in preserving Zambia’s cultural heritage.
Kulamba is held every last Saturday of August at Mkaika, the headquarters of the Chewa traditional institution in Zambia. Its central purpose is for chiefs from Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to pay homage to Kalonga Gawa Undi.
The ceremony is also renowned for cultural performances, particularly Gule Wamkulu, the traditional masked dance associated with the Chewa people and recognised internationally as an important form of intangible cultural heritage.
The 2026 gathering once again demonstrated that Kulamba is more than an annual celebration. It remains a powerful institution for preserving Chewa history, strengthening traditional leadership and promoting unity among communities separated by international borders.
Picture: Gule Wamkulu