Gule Wamkulu under scrutiny

By Jimmy Chazama:

Gule Wamkulu, the Great Dance of the Chewa people has been at the core of culture hence being inscribed on the Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.

However, Gule Wamkulu has in recent times fallen short of its values as per demeanors by others following complaints of suspected assault and theft in both urban and rural areas.

In places like Chinsapo, Chigwirizano and Area 25 in Lilongwe, it has been recounted that Gule Wamkulu has been roving and chasing people, with traditional leaders cautioning that culture should never be used as a cover for crime.

Kanengo Police in Lilongwe said six complaints have been registered this year in Areas 25, 49 and 50.

Kanengo Police spokesperson MacFarlen Mseteka said the most common offences include unlawful wounding and malicious damage.

“We respect cultural beliefs, but we are mandated to uphold the rule of law and those who disturb the peace will be arrested as this is about balancing culture and human rights,” Mseteka said.

He said the Police have since engaged traditional leaders through community policing saying that in urban areas where cultures mix, Gule Wamkulu is out of bounds.

“Our mandate is to protect life and property, and that does not limit us in respect of culture,” Mseteka said.

Chewa Heritage Foundation (Chefo) Chairperson Stanley Khaila said Gule Wamkulu does not roam without purpose.

“We condemn violence by people hiding behind Gule Wamkulu as our culture does not encourage such malpractices,” Khaila said.

He said Gule Wamkulu should appear only at funerals and traditional ceremonies with traditional leaders’ acknowledgement.

“These people want to tarnish the image of Chewa culture, so we urge traditional leaders to follow proper procedures and act on misconduct,” he said.

Last year, the foundation condemned an incident in Monkey Bay, Mangochi, where a man was beaten to death by Gule Wamkulu.