Bunyoro set for empango
Jun 07, 2007
BUNYORO Kitara Kingdom will on Monday June 11 celebrate her 13th anniversary, referred to as empango. Empango, the first ritual the Omukama performs as he is crowned is celebrated annually. It is a remarkable day in the history of the kingdom.
By Conan Businge and Miles Rwamiti
BUNYORO Kitara Kingdom will on Monday June 11 celebrate her 13th anniversary, referred to as empango. Empango, the first ritual the Omukama performs as he is crowned is celebrated annually. It is a remarkable day in the history of the kingdom.
Rukirabasaija Solomon Gafabusa Iguru will be celebrating over a decade on the Kingdom’s throne.
The empango is a palace dance, for all the Banyoro to rejoice with the king.
On the eve of the empango day, all the regalia in connection with the day are put in their places. The King’s sword is put on one side of the throne (Nyamyaro), the Omukama’s club (Omunembe) and Royal drums (Mutengesa) are all put around Nyamyaro.
All music instruments are played throughout the night, awaiting the launch of the empango the following day.
The function begins early in the morning. The Omukonda from the Abasuuli clan escorts the regalia to the King; before he (King) goes to the kraal.
He is escorted by Omusuli, a fortune teller who has the traditional music instruments.
The regalia comprises of Tibamulinde, the biggest drum, which is carried ahead of empango Nyalebe. This is the drum which replaced Kajumba, the Cwezi’s drum which is said to have disappeared mysteriously.
In the regalia also are other small and long drums and spears. So many rituals are performed by the king including sounding the biggest drum nine times, and striking the empango four times.
On this day, all traditional music is played and ancient instruments employed to entertain guests.
Most people from other kingdoms who attend this function are pulled to their feet because of the wonderful rhythm from the flutes called Amakondere into the dancing.
However, every body is free to join the royal dancing.
BUNYORO Kitara Kingdom will on Monday June 11 celebrate her 13th anniversary, referred to as empango. Empango, the first ritual the Omukama performs as he is crowned is celebrated annually. It is a remarkable day in the history of the kingdom.
Rukirabasaija Solomon Gafabusa Iguru will be celebrating over a decade on the Kingdom’s throne.
The empango is a palace dance, for all the Banyoro to rejoice with the king.
On the eve of the empango day, all the regalia in connection with the day are put in their places. The King’s sword is put on one side of the throne (Nyamyaro), the Omukama’s club (Omunembe) and Royal drums (Mutengesa) are all put around Nyamyaro.
All music instruments are played throughout the night, awaiting the launch of the empango the following day.
The function begins early in the morning. The Omukonda from the Abasuuli clan escorts the regalia to the King; before he (King) goes to the kraal.
He is escorted by Omusuli, a fortune teller who has the traditional music instruments.
The regalia comprises of Tibamulinde, the biggest drum, which is carried ahead of empango Nyalebe. This is the drum which replaced Kajumba, the Cwezi’s drum which is said to have disappeared mysteriously.
In the regalia also are other small and long drums and spears. So many rituals are performed by the king including sounding the biggest drum nine times, and striking the empango four times.
On this day, all traditional music is played and ancient instruments employed to entertain guests.
Most people from other kingdoms who attend this function are pulled to their feet because of the wonderful rhythm from the flutes called Amakondere into the dancing.
However, every body is free to join the royal dancing.