The Auditorium was filled with beautifully decorated artistries from the different tribes of Zambia, and to add to the ambience of the event, the students wore exquisite traditional outfits. Northrise University hosted its first-ever Culture Night four days before Zambia’s Independence Day, October 24. Students and staff members tirelessly worked together for over two months sharing ideas as they prepared for the event. This event allowed students in Peer Leadership training to practice their leadership skills and gave participating students an opportunity to display their cultural practices and traditions.
The Eastern province was represented by a traditional dance which is usually done by the chief.
Students acted out “Chilanga Mulilo” which is a tradition famous in the northern part of Zambia where a bride’s family presents food to the groom with the aim of educating him and his family in acceptable foods within their culture.
A depiction of the Kuomboka Ceremony was brilliantly done by the students representing Western province. Kuomboka, meaning “Moving from flooded areas to dry land,” is a ceremony celebrated by the Lozi people where the Litunga (the king) and Nalikwanda (the Queen) dance for their people.
The singing and dancing continued representing the North Western province through a drama in which the chief was ceremoniously brought in lifted on his throne and a man covered in white powder honoured the chief with a poem of praise as the villagers sought the king’s blessings by singing a song called “Lomba” which means “Asking”.
Culture night wrapped up with a delicious buffet of traditional food prepared by the NU chefs. An NU student exclaimed, “How amazing it was to experience and embrace the various Zambian traditions during this special evening!”
