The Diasporan chief of Bissas of Burkina Faso, Kîrî wrou Nâ’n Kalâ, affectionally called “Captaine Djindjéré” on Saturday, led an entourage to Ghana to participate in the 2024 Zekula Festival held at the town of Kulungungu.
The Zekula Festival, celebrated by Ghanaian Bissas, was marking its 20th-anniversary milestone, and it had the vibrant chief gracing the occasion in a flamboyant manner, where he addressed the gathering.
Kîrî wrou Nâ’n Kalâ’s presence held profound significance, symbolising the resilience of the Bissa people and their determination to keep traditions alive despite the colonial divisions that once fragmented their nation.
In his address, Kîrî l Nâ’n Kalâ, called for stronger ties between Bissa natives of Ghana, Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin, and Ivory Coast, saying there is no way colonial demarcations should be allowed to divide them.
“The Bissas were a nation of our own before the colonial masters divided Africa, letting some of us be in different countries,” he stated.
“But that should not translate into division in this modern era where the Bissa people have come appreciate the importance remaining united beyond borders.”
As a global ambassador, he carries a deep understanding of the cultural significance and responsibilities bestowed upon him, recognizing that his role transcends geographical borders and serves as a unifying figure for the dispersed Bissa people across West Africa.
His rousing call resonated deeply with the Zekula festival, reminding attendees that while separated by borders, they remain united by shared history, language, and cultural traditions.
“Remaining united regardless of the borders should be our focus now as people of common ancestry with one destiny,” he said.
“it is our responsibility to uphold the values, customs, and collective memory of our people, ensuring that the Bissa heritage remains a source of pride and strength for generations to come.”
He understands that preserving the Bissa identity for future generations is vital, upholding values, customs, and collective memory, and he had to make that important journey to Ghana to preserve that unity and togetherness.
His appearance at the Zekula marked a great scene, adding more glamour to the 20th-anniversary events. Beside the King, some two musicians from Burkina Faso also performed at the program.
In an era where globalisation and modernisation threaten to erode traditional cultures, Kîrî wrou Nâ’n Kalâ’s leadership serves as a beacon, inspiring the Bissa community to embrace their roots while adapting to the changing times.
Zekula was instituted by the Bissa Development Association (BDA) as a homecoming event to unite families beyond clannish and religious borders.
It is a festival to celebrate the Bissa culture, traditions, and shared ancestry.
Saturday’s event came with much splendor and glamour, as it lived up to its billing, drawing over 10,000 participants from Ghana, Togo, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Benin to the Kulungungu school park.