Celebrating culture at UNIMA

The weekend was a colorful celebration of culture, full of music, dance, delicious food, and unforgettable fun. The University of Malawi, through its Student Representative Council (SRC), hosted a successful cultural weekend from 10th to 11th April 2026 at the campus sports complex. The event attracted a diverse audience, including students from other colleges and universities such as the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), Domasi College, Zomba Health Sciences College, and people from surrounding areas.

The event aimed to strengthen the cultural heritage and preserve Malawian traditions through student-led activities. The cultural weekend commenced with a lively bonfire on Friday, 10th April, 2026. Students enjoyed a night of traditional dances and music, setting an energetic tone for the festivities. During the night, students from various programmes performed cultural songs and dances such as Chitelera, Malipenga, Chindimba, and Tchopa.

Various staff members also attended the cultural celebration on Saturday, 11th April. These included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Sunduzwayo Madise; the Head of Communications and Marketing, Ms. Monica Khombe; the Warden, Ms. Rose Makawa; and other senior lecturers.

Students praised the SRC for organizing a well-coordinated cultural weekend. Saturday’s activities included performances of Gule Wamkulu, Chimtali, Likwata, Chioda, and Gologolo. Traditional dishes such as Kalingonda and Mang’ina, along with traditional drinks, were also sold as part of fundraising efforts by various UNIMA societies.

The entertainment Director, Vanrick Binali, urged students not to view the cultural weekend as just a social event, but as an opportunity to learn about the importance of preserving Malawian culture and upholding traditional beliefs, practices, and norms for future generations.

“I urge you, students, to embrace your culture and not be ashamed of it,” Binali stated. “Let’s not abandon our culture because we are at university. Instead, let’s be civilized and promote our cultural development.”

Students also dressed in various cultural attires. Two students, Ms. Lauryn Zumazuma (third year) and Mr. Chikumbutso Banda (fourth year), both Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Cultural Studies students, were crowned Miss and Mr. Culture at UNIMA due to their outstanding cultural attire.

Ms. Zumazuma shared her joy and encouraged fellow students to embrace their heritage. “I am deeply honored and overwhelmed with joy,” she said. “This should motivate my fellow students to always embrace their culture.”

By TIMOTHY HASSAM (4th year, Communication and Cultural Studies)

Photo credit: VANRICK BINALI (3rd year, Social and Economic History)