Culture

The Dying Nyau Masquerades of Malawi

Published

6 years ago

September 14, 2018

Nyau is a secret society of the Chewa, an ethnic tribe of the Bantu.

The Nyau consist of initiates that are regarded as mature members of the society. The Nyau society is made up of people from the Chewa and Nyanja people.

Whenever the Nyau performs with the mask, women and children run away into their houses because they are considered fierce representing male knowledge.

There are men that wear the masks and are considered as the spirits of the dead. And understandably as spirits, the masquerades may act with impunity and allegedly there have been attacks and deaths during performances in the past. But due to westernization, the activities of the Nyau has reduced.

This Nyau tradition is very old and dates as far back as the 17th century and their belief includes communication with the dead. And they also believe that God is present in every life form. They believe that God is both male and female. The male god is in the sky and the female is on earth.

The initiation of men into the secret society starts with the men living in a wooded grove where dead people have been buried in the past. They scare people who try to interview them by saying in their native tongue ‘you are now playing with fire you will get burnt’.

Typically, the Nyau perform their masked dances during burial ceremonies, memorials or during their initiations.

Girls are also initiated into this society, for them, it is called Chinamwali.

During the dance, each person represents the mask of the animals which they wear. There is a hierarchy in the different forms of structures worn and the wilder the animal the fiercer their performance.

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Culture

Algeria accuses renowned Singer Cheb Khaled of spying for Morocco

Published

9 hours ago

October 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Algerian authorities have accused renowned musician, singer and songwriter, Cheb Khaled, of spying for neighbours Morocco as another wave of hostilities brew between the two countries.

Founder of Algerian news outlet, Algeria Par, Al Abdou Semmar, disclosed on his YouTube channel that the military court in Blida, Algeria, hd reportedly forwarded a dossier to the court of Bir Mourad Rais in Algiers, containing serious allegations against the famous artist.

“Cheb Khaled has been friends with Moroccan monarch Mohammed VI for several years,” the journalist said, claiming that Algerian judicial authorities seek to charge Khaled in an alleged espionage case for Morocco.

Semmar further claimed investigations by his news channel has revealed that the singer is suspected and accused of complicity in espionage activities with the Bennacer brothers.

“This refers to the brothers Toufik and Boualem Bennacer, sons of the later General Larbi Bennacer,” the journalist said.

He added that Khaled also faces accusations of “transmitting sensitive information classified as ‘defense secret’ in Algeria to Moroccan authorities.”

“Based in Luxembourg, Cheb Khaled is now wanted by Algerian justice, which wishes to hear him, charge him, and put him on trial,” the journalist said.

He explained that such claims and accusations have come amid the Algerian regime’s hostility towards any party with close ties with Morocco.

“This is not the first time Algeria has arrested individuals and accused them of espionage for Morocco. The latest arrests took place earlier this week in Oran and Sidi Bel Abbès, and involved two Moroccan nationals,’ he said.

Khaled has close ties with Morocco, having performed numerous times in the North African country, where he has millions of Moroccan fans and frequently shares statements expressing his love and passion for Morocco,, referring to it as his second country.

In 2013, he obtained Moroccan citizenship under a royal decree, an act that has repeatedly put him at the heart of controversies among those sharing hostility towards Morocco.

Culture

Tyla shines again as Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show stages comeback

Published

2 days ago

October 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South Africa’s Grammy Award-winning music star, Tyla, has continued to shine on the international scene following another scintillating performance at the Victoria Secret’s Fashion Show first comeback show after a six-year hiatus.

The show, which was held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York, featured Tyla performing alongside Cher and Lisa from Blackpink. The “Water” crooner stole the show in a dazzling silver and gold lingerie ensemble, complemented with white feathered wings.

A post on the Victoria Secret’s Fashion Show website said when she was announced to perform at the show, Tyla explained she had always been captivated by the show and was excited to be performing at the show.

“Now, I’m thrilled to be performing on this nostalgic and legendary stage. What’s even more exciting is the celebration of diversity, showcasing a broader range of beauty, which makes this moment truly special,” she had reportedly said.

Fondly called the “Pride of Joburg” and the “Goddess of Water”, she explained she did not hesitate for a second to perform and was honoured that she was considered to do so.

Tyla also shone at the pre-show event as she stunned in a pink dress while speaking to the media beforehand.

In what proved to be a standout moment for all South Africans, legendary supermodel, Candice Swanepoel, joined Tyla during her performance as she made a return to the runway alongside other global supermodels such as Adriana Lima and Gigi Hadid.