The Chairman of the Bissa Development Association (BDA), organizers of the flagship Zekula Festival on paid glowing tributes to those whose foresight birthed the festival two decades ago
Amidst a sea of vibrant celebrations marking the 20th anniversary dubbed “Zekula@20”, on Saturday May 4 at Kulungungu, BDA seized the opportunity to extol the pioneering vision and tireless efforts of the event’s founding members.
In a speech brimming with gratitude, BDA Chairman Shaibu Musa Gutare Zanni shared the rational behind the institution of the Zekula, which means unity in the Bissa language.
“The founding members instituted it as the Bissa National festival celebrated annually in our capital here in Kulungungu,” he said.
“It is aimed at bringing Bissas and indeed, our neighbors and friends in Ghana and beyond together, to celebrate our traditions, cultural heritage and forge ahead for our common development.”
The Zekula festival has become a cardinal tradition for the Bissa people, drawing thousands annually to the cultural capital of Kulungungu. Its impact resonates far beyond the realm of cultural preservation – serving as an economic boon and unifying force for a community dispersed across Ghana and beyond.
Zanni emphasized the immense debt owed to the visionary founders who conceived and tirelessly worked to establish a national festival for the Bissa people.
“As a people, we remain forever indebted to the founding members of Zekula for having conceived and worked hard towards establishing a national festival for Bissa. We continue to recognize the contributions of various groups such as the Bissa Youth Association led by Alhaji Abu and the Bissa Study Group that included distinguished personalities like Rev. Simon Asore of blessed memory, Mr. Dominic Sore Payida, Mr. Abdul Karim Dubiure, Brigadier General Enusah Abdulai, Alhaji Alhassan Haruna, Mr. Musah Sumani, Madam Hawa Yakubu of blessed memory and many other respected elders that time will not permit us to mention all.”
The Zekula Festival, instituted 20 years ago to unite the Bissa people, has celebrated cultural preservation. It has reinforced Bissa traditions like music, dance, folklore, passing them to younger generations, while showcasing arts, crafts, cuisine, and creative expressions.
It has also fostered pride in the unique Bissa culture, history, and identity, strengthening social cohesion as well as educating attendees on customs, values, and beliefs through activities like myth storytelling and skill demonstrations.
Economically, it has boosted tourism revenue for local businesses, provided an artisan marketplace, and increased employment opportunities.
The festival has engaged the community by bringing together Bissa people from various regions, facilitating knowledge sharing between elders and youth, strengthening social bonds through shared celebration.
This year’s Zekula@20 celebration was a dazzling spectacle, with a kaleidoscope of colors, rhythmic dances, and the melodious tunes of traditional music filling the streets of Kulungungu.
The heady scent of local delicacies wafted through the air as vendors hawked their wares, contributing to the economic vitality the festival brings each year.
For the thousands who converge, it is a chance to reaffirm their shared identity, kindle new connections, and revel in the richness of their heritage.
Its sustained success over two decades is a testament to the enduring vision of its founders.
As the Bissa community immerses in joyous celebrations each year in Kulungungu, they honor the legacy of those pioneering efforts to unite, preserve and uplift their cultural pride.