| To Zambians, dance is never just entertainment.
It is a form of communication that recreates historical events and strengthens
spiritual beliefs. Some dances are performed in lines, with women and men
in different rows. The dancers may represent spirits, heroes or figures
from folklore such as Chikishikishi, a monster who threatens to
eat unruly members of society. Many dancers wear dramatic masks and costumes
or body paint. Members of the Nyau cult of the Ngoni people learn difficult
routines that demand great endurance. Every year one Nyau performer is
chosen as the Vimbuza dancer, the best in Zambia. |
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| The beating of drums underlies all music. The
drums include the huge maoma drums of the Lozi, the imangu
friction drums of the Bemba and the kachacha drum chimes of the
Luvale. Other traditional instruments are the mbira (thumb piano)
and the kalimba (a kind of xylophone). Building musical instruments
is one of Zambia's great arts. Many popular musicians use both Zambian
and Western instruments.
Zambians enjoy modern as well as traditional
music. In 1976, the government decided that 90% of the music broadcast
on local radio stations should be Zambian. This decision boosted the popularity
of many artists, including the late Emmanuel Mulemena, a well-loved singer.
In the 1980s, a Zambian style of pop music called Kalindula spread
across the country. Its driving bass line and strong guitars have made
it a favourite. |
| The
vingwengwe is a Mambwe instrument played by four women. Four overturned
metal pots are placed in a row. Each woman places a stool on top of the
pot and turns it to make the pots resonate. As they turn the stools in
rhythm, they create a quartet of "voices." |
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| Zambia has a strong oral history and literary
tradition. Creation myths, fables and proverbs are passed from one generation
to the next. Theatre is a popular art form. The Zambia Popular Theatre
Alliance travels across the country staying in different villages. During
each visit, the actors learn about issues in the community. Before they
leave, they perform a new play about those issues, using music, drums and
singing.
Zambians make beautiful baskets, pottery
and wood carvings. As tourism becomes more important, children are learning
these traditional arts at school. Potters tend to be women, while wood
carvers are usually men. Both men and women weave baskets. The Lunda people
are famous for their carving skills. The Lozi basket weavers are especially
admired. Chitenges, lengths of colourful printed cloth, are another
traditional art. |
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| The
government has created the National Heritage Conservation Commission and
other institutions to protect the country's ethnic diversity. Although
the national motto is "One Zambia, One Nation", the government believes
that the history and culture of each of Zambia's peoples should be preserved. |
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