Show of skill: Bissa horsemen exhibit their riding prowess and equestrian talents in the Sukuma festival arena, guiding their decorated steed through nimble manoeuvres
The streets of Kumasi came alive with the sights and sounds of Bissa culture on Saturday as the city hosted the second annual Sukuma Festival.
Scores of Bissas gathered to celebrate the second annual Sukuma Festival, bringing their cherished cultural traditions to life far from their ancestral Kulungugu homeland.
Established in 2022, the festival aims to help Bissas living outside their traditional Kulungugu region in Upper East Ghana reconnect with and celebrate their heritage.
Despite being far from home, Bissas from across Ghana immersed themselves in traditions like music, dance, food, arts, and crafts. The colorful celebrations on December 30th allowed them to experience beloved cultural practices and connect with fellow Bissas.
Bissanewsonline brings you pictures from the 2023 Sukuma Festival, capturing the vibrant atmosphere as Bissas proudly showcased their heritage and traditions.
The dignified arrival of esteemed chiefs at the Sukuma Festival 2023.
Resplendent in tradition, chiefs grace the Sukuma Festival with their presence
The esteemed Chief of Bortianor/ Weija, a champion of education and social welfare, adds his grace to Sukuma Festival.Chief in procession and exchange pleasantries the Sukuma festival, accompanied by drummersMP for Edwura Sekyemasi arrives at the lively Sukuma grounds to join in the cultural celebrations
The seats of honor: Dignitaries from over 100 communities came together at the high table to celebrate the 2nd edition of Sukuma
A high-powered trio: [On the left] MP for New Edubiase Adam Salaam (L), former Minister of State Dr. Mustapha Ahmed (Middle), and [on the right] BDA Chairman Alhaji Shaibu Musah Gutare, Esq. are seated together at the high tableA cheerful chairman: [On the right] A beaming Alhaji Shaibu Musah Gutare, Esq., Chairman of the BDA, smiles as he converses with dignitaries at the high table
Royalty on display: Prominent Bissa chiefs and dignitaries from different communities are seated at the high table
Rousing the crowd: BDA Chairman Alhaji Shaibu Musah Gutare, Esq. captivates attendees with his speech at the Sukuma
Rhythms of the past: With fast fingerwork, a seasoned folk musician performs lively bissa music on a carved bissa guitar made of tropical hardwoodLead singer Striker D Donzy enthralled the crowd with traditional Bissa lyrics
Cultural chorus: With drumsticks in hand, the Akan ensemble adds their driving rhythms and percussion to complement the Bissas’ bissa guitar melodies during Sukuma.Vibrant traditions: Women and children don colorful handmade groundnut jewelry and patterned Bissa woven cloths, creating a vibrant display of time-honored Bissa culture
Scenes encapsulating the spirit of Sukuma culture
Festival attendees watching cultural performance with joy
Sukuma organizers commemorating successful festival
