By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, May 28, Mana:  The Chewa Heritage Foundation (CHEFO) and Chewa chiefs from Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia have expressed disappointment and outrage over a recent incident in Mangochi, where an individual dressed as Gule Wamkulu allegedly killed someone.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday in Lilongwe, Lyson Banda, Deputy Director of Chiefs, Traditional and Cultural Affairs at the Chewa Heritage Foundation (CHEFO), stated that the individual involved was not a legitimate Gule Wamkulu dancer, but rather someone using the identity to tarnish the reputation of the Chewa people while pursuing personal vendettas.

“Gule Wamkulu typically appears during specific ceremonies like traditional initiation rites (Chizangala), funerals of prominent figures or chiefs, and coronation ceremonies for new chiefs” he said.

Banda also emphasized the importance of following traditional procedures and protocols when invoking the Gule Wamkulu, to ensure that cultural practices are respected and not misused for malicious purposes.

Chief Chadza, Masumbankhunda, and M’bwatalika concluded that some individuals are impersonating Gule Wamkulu dancers with the intention of committing criminals’ acts.