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INCWALA ENDS ON A HIGH NOTE, LOG BURNT

By Nokuzola Thwala | 2024-12-21

The indigenous sacred Incwala Ceremony ended on a high note with a pleasing climax at Ludzidzini Royal Residence yesterday.

This was during the burning of the log inside the Royal cattle byre, known as kushisa lukhuni, which marks the end of the annual Incwala.

This also marks the beginning of weeding of the King’s fields, which is expected to start today.
The warriors begin weeding the royal fields until the King disperses them at Ngabezweni Royal Residence.

Before the start of the ceremony, licilongo (traditional trumpet) was blown for the second time at 3pm, signalling that emabutfo could start dancing inside the cattle byre and regiments sang and danced in anticipation for the King’s arrival.

The dancing of Incwala continued until regiments were joined by Sigodlo, Indlovukazi, Emakhosikati, Emazinyane, Balondolozi and other members of the Royal family. Almost two hours later, His Majesty arrived and joined the dancing while flanked by libutfo.

Sharp whistling and ululations reverberated the arena as the cheerful and friendly regiments exuberantly welcomed him. Praise singers also did what they are best known for as they sang praises to Their Majesties.

His Majesty found the different regiments singing and dancing in a pleasant and enjoyable way, full of energy, enthusiasm and high spirited.

Ingwenyama’s arrival was announced by reactions from libutfo, with many whistling while others ululated to express their happiness for such an auspicious occasion.

As if stimulated, Emaswati showed zeal, passion and love for their culture as they danced inside the cattle byre.

As the log continued burning, the different regiments danced with enthusiasm and more energy, showing dynamic full of life dances as they sang ‘Lwandle lumnyama washisa sigodlo’ and ‘Utse khenekhene Nyatsi yaMswati’, ‘Nkomo zamabhaca’ and ‘Inqaba kaNqofula’, among other songs.

As the latter was sung, the male regiments danced in unity, holding their shields in front of them uniformly, and this being an eye-catching action.

Ingaja could not be left out as they were jubilant as they expressed their continued love for the culture, whistling and shouting joyfully.

They even created poems, sigiyo, and competing while at it.
Ingaja from the different security forces also did not miss out as they performed different proverbs while others responded with their own songs, doing kugiya, which was a beautiful sight.

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