KALELA DANCE MAKES IT TO THE WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGE LIST

By Paul Shalala

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation -UNESCO has inscribed the Kalela Dance from Northern Zambia on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

This was during the on-going 17th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee on the 2003  Intangible Cultural Heritage  Convention in Rabat, Morocco.

Ministry of Tourism Chief Cultural Officer THOMAS MUBITA says the recognition will bring visibility, viability and help in safeguarding the Kalela Dance.

Mr. MUBITA has told ZNBC News from Morocco that the recognition will also increase attention for documentation and research and increase Cultural Tourism for the Dance Element.

Meanwhile, Bangweulu Member of Parliament ANTHONY KASANDWE says the move by UNESCO to recognise the Kalela Dance will help in preserving the cultural dance which has been passed on from generation to generation.

Mr. KASANDWE, who organizes the annual Kalela-Kalindula Festival In Samfya District, says the decision has excited many lovers of culture in Luapula Province.

Zambia now has Five elements on the list that includes Gule Wamkulu, Makishi, Mooba and Budima Dances and Songs.

The Kalela dance originated from the Bangweulu Swamps, in Luapula Province, in the colonial times.

In Luapula and Northern Provinces, the dance has become part of entertainment at the Chief’s palaces, during traditional ceremonies, funerals, harvest celebrations and any other important occasion.

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