Lwiindi-Gonde July 2

The current Chief Monze comes from a long lineage dating back to the 17th century. Chief Magunza Monze assumed his chieftaincy in 1990. As a spiritual and cultural leader, the chief wields considerable influence and commands the respect of a very large community.

Each year, the chief leads his community in the annual Lwindi ceremony, traditionally held to give thanks for the first harvest of the year. Monze chiefs are traditionally regarded as “shining chiefs” or rainmakers. Traditional culture relates that Chief Mukulukulu, the first rainmaker, disappeared into the sky and is responsible for sending the rains.

The annual Lwiindi ceremony takes place at Gonde in the Monze district, about 9 miles southwest of the town of Monze. It is usually held on July 2 and is the main traditional ceremony of the Tonga people.

Gonde is where the first Monze chief disappeared – his “court” claimed that their chief was not dead and this same place became the burial place of all the chiefs – although only two are buried there. The others have no graves because their bodies simply disappeared upon death.

Many Tonga believe that Chief Monze I, affectionately known as Mukulukulu by the Tonga, mysteriously disappeared and is the giver of rain. The reigning Chief Monze celebrates the praise given to Mukulukulu by eating the first meal of the new season's harvest.

The Gonde shrine is particularly considered sacred by the local population because it is where the second Monze chief, who was called Nchete Ilya Mabwe, meaning the king who eats stones and makes rain or gives, is buried.

A tour of this sacred place is led by a Basimizimu Basikupaila mvula (a team of spiritually possessed women, men and children dressed in black who pray for rain).

If you are planning to attend next year's Lwiindi-Gonde ceremony, remember that, just like Basikupailila mvula, visitors to the shrine are expected to be barefoot.

Spiced with indigenous songs and dances by an assortment of cultural ensembles, the official opening of the ceremony begins with the grand entrance of Chief Monze, a spiritual and traditional leader, dressed in a ceremonial robe, an animal skin garment around his collar, into the main arena.

As the chief and his guests settle in, various dance groups performing a rich assortment of traditional Tongan music and dance are performed. Among them is the famous Budima, from the Gwembe Valley, which is accompanied by flutes (Nyeele) and a large ensemble of special drums.

The crowds are also treated to Kuyabila, where a person accompanied by the friction drum (namalwa) or a rattle (muyuwa) sings.

Chief Monze, who leads his community in Lwiindi-Gonde, said: "The ceremony is an important occasion that unifies the Tonga people and reminds them of their peaceful nature."

“This 19th ceremony is unique and attracts a lot of people because traditional leaders from other provinces are here. Long ago, the first chief Monze Mukulukulu was confronted and he chose a corn cob instead of a husk, that is where the story of peace comes from. This is our culture, we love peace and unity,” said Chief Monze.