Culture

Thousands gather to re-enact historic Zulu ‘Isandlwana’ battle victory over Britain

Published

2 years ago

January 22, 2023

It was a memorable moment as thousands of Zulu men called “amabutho” gathered at the historic site of Isandlwana on Saturday to mark the famous victory of their ancestors over the British invasion army.

According to historians, the day was in 1879, when Zulus won a decisive victory over the British who had attempted to conquer South Africa and annex the whole country.

On 21 January, 1879, around 20,000 Zulu warriors attacked the British garrison. Despite the defenders having rifles, the attackers forced them into a bloody battle and then defeated the colonial soldiers, king 1,300 out of 1,700 men at the Isandlwala garrison on the morning of the battle.

“It is one of the greatest triumphs in Zulu history and the only battle in which spears and ox-hide shields annihilated the guns and cannons of the British army,” King Misuzulu kaZwelithini said while addressing the gathering.

“It’s important to commemorate the battle, because it’s such an important part of our history.

“And it’s also important to both us and the Zulus and it’s commemorating fallen soldiers.

“It also reminds the soldiers that are serving now that it’s still important, that you are remembered for a long time. So it’s really important to commemorate this battle.”

The famous Isandlwana battle was achieved under the great Zulu warrior, Shaka Da Zulu who led a ragtag army of non-professional soldiers bearing only spears, bows and arrows, to defeat the British army with their guns and ammunition, and went ahead to win several other battles in
the early 1800s.

During the re-enactment many Zulus sang songs and paraded with traditional animal skins, bone necklaces and spears.

Related Topics:#war British Chaka Da Zulu Featured South Africa Zulu

Click to comment

Culture

Davido to donate N300m to orphanages to mark 32nd birthday

Published

2 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigerian Afro-Pop superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has announced plans to donate the sum of N300 million to different orphanages across the country and anti-drug advocacy initiatives to mark his 32nd birthday later this year.

The Grammy-nominated singer who revealed the plan in a post he shared on his official X handle (formerly Twitter) on Monday, said he would donate the whopping sum to orphanages and charities that help young people to avoid drug addiction.

The “Unavailable” crooner added that the donation is intention to support vulnerable children at the orphanage and combat drug abuse among youths, and the funds will be split between orphanages and organizations working to prevent drug addiction.

He also assured his fans that details of the donation, including beneficiary organizations and distribution plans, will be made public soon.

“Once again on my birthday this year, we donating to orphanages and a charity that helps young people stay away from drug abuse & addiction. This year is N300m. Details to follow soon,” the multiple award-winning singer wrote.

Culture

Chidimma Adetshina makes history as she emerges first runner-up for Miss Universe 2024

Published

2 days ago

November 17, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Chidimma Adetshina, Nigeria’s representative at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition held in Mexico, made history as she finished as the first runner-up at the pageant.

The reigning Miss Universe Nigeria finished on the podium of the event held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Sunday morning after an electrifying final face-off between Nigeria and Denmark, as the two women looked poised to claim the crown.

Adetshina, who competed against over 120 contestants from around the world, delivered Nigeria’s best-ever performance in the prestigious competition.

The competition, which was described as one of the most thrilling in recent years, celebrated the talents, intelligence, and elegance of women from around the globe.

A post by the pageant organizers on Instagram said:

“The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment.

“Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, ultimately won the crown taking over from Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.”

The top five were rounded out by Miss Mexico, María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa, in third place, along with contestants from Thailand and Venezuela.

This year’s pageant was celebrated as one of the most inclusive in Miss Universe history, featuring first-time entries from Iran and Somalia and an expanded lineup of 30 semifinalists, showcasing greater diversity and global representation.

Chidimma’s path to the Miss Universe Nigeria was controversial at best as she had previously entered the Miss South Africa pageant but withdrew following criticism of her nationality and allegations from South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs concerning her mother’s documents.

She was later invited to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria and emerged as the winner of the beauty pageant ahead of 24 other contestants.