The much-awaited 20th anniversary edition of the Zekula festival is all set for a grand celebration today, thanks to an overwhelming response to the crowdfunding efforts initiated by the organizers.
This groundswell of support has ensured that the milestone Zekula@20 event will be hosted in truly extravagant fashion befitting its two-decade milestone. As the sun rose over the traditional Bissa capital of Kulungungu on Saturday morning, donations were still pouring in from various individuals and organizations within the Bissa fraternity.
Zekula, from its inception in 2004, blossomed into Upper East’s biggest cultural extravaganza and Saturday’s celebration will maintain the status quo. It will see a grand spectacle of traditional dances, cuisine, music, and various activities showcasing the vibrant Bissa heritage to a projected 10,000 plus participants.
The organisers launched the crowdfunding appeal in the Middle of Match, budgeting over GHS 60,000. However despite not hitting the target for the amount needed for the event, the fraternity have remarkable efforts to ensure enough can be oraganised for the pinnacle cultural event. Individuals in their own Capacity have contributed their widows mite while some organisational donors showed up.
Among the major contributors have been the Gomoa Fetteh Bissa Palace, the Sare Palace of Bortianor/New Weija, the Madina Zone of the Bissa Development Association (BDA), the BDA’s regional branches from Northern and Ashanti Regions, the Bissa Christian Fellowship International (BCFI), the Bissa Women’s Wing, the Bissa Youth Forum, and the Bissa Health Professionals Union.
A visit by a BissaNewsOnline correspondent to the Kulungungu park reveals that the venue is fully set and ready for the grand Zekula@20 celebration. All logistical arrangements appear to be in place, with the public address systems tested and working properly.
Thousands have already started trooping in from various destinations near and far. Large crowds are arriving via buses, taxis and private vehicles. Some are even making their way on bicycles, motorcycles and horses, determined to be part of this iconic cultural spectacle by any means possible.
The atmosphere is electric, with groups singing, dancing and drumming as they converge on the grounds. Delighted children race about, caught up in the joyous festivities. Vendors have set up stalls selling food, drinks, traditional wear and handicrafts in anticipation of the surge of customers soon to arrive.
The historic Zekula festival grounds are steadily filling up as Bissas from across Ghana and neighboring countries make their pilgrimage to Kulungungu. Despite coming from different corners, the shared excitement of celebrating their heritage on this 20th anniversary of Zekula unites them all.
The historic Zekula festival grounds in Kulungungu are set to come alive with a riot of colors, rhythmic drumming, swaying dancers adorned in intricate smocks, and the tantalizing aromas of delectable Bissa delicacies wafting through the air.
The distinct melodies of the Konni, a traditional Bissa wooden guitar-like instrument, will reverberate across the venue. Demonstrations of the ancient Bissa blacksmithing techniques will also be on display. Artisans and craftspeople will line the streets, showcasing their wares from hand-woven baskets to intricate leather goods.
Beyond the cultural scenes, the festival also presents a massive economic opportunity for local vendors and small businesses. This influx creates a booming market for those selling traditional attire, handicrafts, jewelry and culinary specialties.
The Zekula@20 celebration has also drawn a host of dignitaries and public figures. Government officials, politicians, business moguls and tourists are anticipated to be in attendance to experience this iconic event. Prominent chiefs from the Upper East and other regions will lead traditional rites and ceremonies, adding royal grandeur to the festivities.