The Bissa people of Ghana have two major cultural festivals that serve important roles: Zekula and Sukuma.
Zekula is the main unifying festival held annually in the Bissa ancestral homeland of Kulungungu in the Upper East of the country, while Sukuma offers diaspora Bissas chances to gather and celebrate their heritage abroad.
But some have expressed concerns that Sukuma, which was just launched in 2022, may soon dilute the significance of the Zekula, which until this year had faced a four-year hiatus due to the protracted conflict in the Upper East between the Kusaasis and Mamprusis.
This article compares the festivals by examining their locations, dates, purposes, organisation, legal status, histories, and significance. Defining each festival’s unique attributes demonstrates how Zekula and Sukuma fulfil complementary yet distinct roles for Bissas worldwide.
The goal is to provide clarity on how both celebrations connect Bissas globally to their cultural identity through different means. Understanding the key contrasts allows an appreciation of how both festivals unite Bissas across borders.
Similarities:
– Both Zekula and Sukuma are celebrations of Bissa cultural heritage and traditions
– They involve customs like music, dance, food, rituals, and community gathering
– The purpose is to maintain Bissa identity and connection to roots
– They complement each other in enabling global participation
Differences:
– Location:
– Zekula is exclusively celebrated in the ancestral capital city of Kulungungu. It is tied specifically to this homeland location.
– Sukuma is celebrated across various locales outside of Kulungungu by Bissa diaspora communities. It allows for localized celebrations. Sukuma celebrations happen independently across different areas where Bissas have settled outside their homeland.
– Date:
– Zekula occurs on the fixed date of Easter Day every year. This reliable annual date enables large scale planning and attendance.
– Sukuma occurs on flexible dates set locally by each Bissa community. This allows each group to determine their own gathering schedule.
– Purpose:
– Zekula’s purpose is to facilitate the major annual homecoming and unification of all Bissas in their ancestral homeland.
– Sukuma’s purpose is to enable dispersed groups of diaspora Bissas to gather and reconnect with their heritage and roots.
– Significance:
– Zekula represents the symbolic unity of all Bissas and is the pinnacle cultural festival.
– Sukuma offers smaller-scale gatherings specifically tailored for diaspora Bissas.
– Organization:
– Zekula is organised nationally by the Central Bissa Development Association.
– Sukuma is organised by regional/local branches of the BDA to meet area needs.
– History:
– Zekula was formally established in 2004 by the Council of Bissa Elders.
– Sukuma was established more recently in 2022 under the Shaibu Gutare Zanni administration of the BDA to complement Zekula.
- Legality:
- Zekula is a legally registered brand and exclusive property of the BDA.
- Sukuma has legal backing from the BDA as an offered diaspora celebration.
In summary, Zekula and Sukuma play important complementary roles for Bissas – Zekula facilitates major ancestral homeland gatherings, while Sukuma enables localised diaspora celebrations to maintain cultural heritage.
For those Bissas living in or near our ancestral homeland of Kulungungu, preparations are well underway for the momentous annual Zekula festival in 2024 on Easter Day. We eagerly anticipate joining together as one people to celebrate our rich heritage through ceremonies, rituals, music, dance, and feasting in Kulungungu.
For Bissas in the diaspora farther from home, I will encourage you to connect with your community leaders about organising your Sukuma, while we patiently await your homecoming for the grand unification of Zekula.
The Bissa Development Association and Council of Elders bless and endorse both Zekula and Sukuma as important yet distinct parts of our cultural life.
I wish all Bissas at home and abroad a joyous season of celebration! May both Zekula and Sukuma strengthen us through the gifts of unity, kinship, and cultural pride.
Yours in Zekula,
Mohammed Abdul Malik Guerm
[Deputy BDA Secretary]