•NGONI warriors direct the motorcade of Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni-speaking people when he shifted from Emphendukeni palace to Laweni in readiness for the Nc’wala traditional ceremony at Mtenguleni main arena tomorrow. This was in Chipata yesterday. Picture by JULIUS PHIRI

By JULIUS PHIRI  –

PARAMOUNT Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni-speaking people of Eastern Province yesterday shifted his base from Emphendukeni palace to Laweni in readiness for the Nc’wala traditional ceremony tomorrow.
The paramount chief was escorted in a convoy by Ngoni warriors, known as impis, to mark the beginning of the annual showpiece.
Chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni-speaking people of Eastern Province said all was set for the ceremony which was expected to attract scores of people from different places around Zambia and outside the country.
The traditional leader said over 50 chiefs from Zambia and Malawi had been invited to attend the ceremony.
The annual Nc’wala traditional ceremony is a ceremony of thanksgiving to the Almighty God for the green harvest.
It is also used to commemorate the many victories of the Ngoni people who trace their origins in Kwa-Zulu Natal in the rainbow nation of South Africa where they fled from the ancient war hero, Shaka the Zulu.
On their way in search of arable land, they engaged in fierce battles with the many tribes they found.
It is for this reason that during the ceremony, all Ngoni chiefs wear war-like regalia.
Clad in animal skin and clutching spears and knobkerries, the fearless Ngoni warriors show off their prowess through the famous ingoma dance.
The impis stomp the ground with bare feet while the women clap their hands with exposed breasts.
A number of lodges in the border town have been taken up by visitors.