 | | | | | | | |
For further information please choose one the following:
The Story of a "Rain Ceremony" Sacrifice
PROLOGUE
This is the story of Zunguza, the son of Chief Mabinyane and his senior wife, sister of Paramount Chief Tshikatsa, who lived long ago in what is now Nothern Mozambique.
Zunguza's mother was killed by a lion when he was only three years old. In spite of this he loved the jungle and yearned to be a hunter. But his father would not let him go until he was of age.
At last the day had come. The tribe gathered to bid farewell to Zunguza and his attendant. Happiness was in the Chief's eyes for he knew now that his son was about to become a man.
It was on the seventh day when they were far in the forest that a witch doctor from a nearby village saw their tracks while he was gathering herbs and roots. He cursed them for tresspassing on his people's land. Thus it was that Zunguza stepped on a thorn and was unable to walk any further. They camped there for the night.
They were awakened by the sound of song and faint stamping and quickly they set out to find the source. Soon they were at a village where young maidens were stamping mealies. Zunguza, attracted by th great beauty of one amongst them, embraced her, not knowing that she was the daughter of the chief. Alarmed by the intrusion, the maidens screamed. The headman hearing the commotion, immediately intervened.
Meanwhile the villagers had summoned Chief Tshikatsa. Zunguza was held by the guards and questioned. With great surprise the Chief learned that Zunguza was his nephew.
The Chief then ordered a feast in honour of the unexpected guest. When the Chief saw that Zunguza had eyes only for his daughter, he interrupted the feast to offer her to Zunguza in marriage. They married by tribal law amidst great rejoicing.
Meanwhile the witch doctor had entered the Chief's kraal and, because the serious drought upon them was getting worse, asked permission to make rain. The Chief halted the celebration, and there was silence among the people for they knew that a sacrifice must be offered before the gods send rain.
It was a bitter moment when the bones revealed that the princess had been chosen. The Chief, angered, ordered the bones to be thrown again. But the outcome was the same. the grief-stricken Chief knew that the gods could not be denied. The ceremony was carride out, Zunguza being held back during the sacrifice. The tribe performed the rain dance, which was answered by thunder and lightning and finally by rain.
After the thanksgiving song, the funeral was held and all the tribe mourned with the Chief and Zunguza.
The witch doctor, seeing the sadness in the people's hearts, persuaded the tribe to dance the Mzumba dance - traditionally performed only once a year to bring happiness to the tribe. The tribe became happier in their dancing of the Mzumba, but the grief in Zunguza's heart remained. So he bade the Chief farewell and started on his journey homeward through the jungle. 
Presentation of various Black Nation's Songs, Dancers and Dress
Mzumba is not spirit - it is not even soul. It is something that combines both; it's the natural beat of the heart of Africa.
EMABOMVINI | (Zulu) Battle Song |
AMACAMU | (Zulu) Maiden Dance |
CLICK SONG | (Xhosa) Song |
THULA BABA | (Xhosa) Hush Child |
ISICATHULO | (Xhosa) Gumboot Dance |
TSIE KEEO | (Sotho) Locust Warning Song |
BONA NOGA | (Venda) Sacred Python Dance |
MOCHONGOLA | (Shangaan) |
NONGONGOLA | (Shangaan) |
SHOSHOLOZA | (Shangaan) Go in Peace |
Mzumba is not spirit - it is not even soul. It is something that combines both; it's the natural beat of the heart of Africa.
For further information please choose one the following:
- Tel: +27 (011) 919-5000
- Fax: +27 (011) 919-5078
- Email: info@heia.co.za
- Enquiries: Online
P.O. Box 1387, Honeydew 2040 E-Mail: info@heia.co.za Phone: +27 (011) 919-5000
Fax: +27 (011) 919-5078