Mijikenda Kaya elders performing rituals at Malindi's Magarini Cultural Centre in Kilifi County [Photo: Maarufu Mohamed]The novel coronavirus has silenced the vibrant cultural practices of the coastal communities. Traditional leaders says there are no more disco matanga, burial dirges known as chifudu or misego for those embracing local cultural funerals. Even ngoma (drums) and kayambas commonly used to exorcise demons in the rural villages are now a thing of the past. In such celebrations, dances such as chifudu, mwanzel and dele as well as disco would be lined up to entertain large gatherings day and night. Mwachiro says the council of elders has shelved its annual community Chenda Chenda (Nine-Nine) celebration marked on September 9.

Source: Standard Digital July 29, 2020 06:26 UTC