By Burnett Munthali
NTCHEU — Malawian preacher Shepherd Bushiri has used the 2026 Umhlangano in Ntcheu to highlight the importance of cultural identity, calling on communities to preserve their heritage while passing its positive values to future generations.
Bushiri attended the Maseko Ngoni cultural gathering with his wife, Mary, joining traditional leaders and community members at an event dedicated to Ngoni history, traditions and identity.
The couple wore traditional regalia during the ceremony, with their appearance reflecting the cultural character of the gathering.
Bushiri highlights Gomani V’s message
In comments following the event, Bushiri said participating in Umhlangano was an important opportunity to reconnect with his heritage and celebrate the culture of his home area.
He singled out remarks by Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V, the paramount leader of the Maseko Ngoni, saying the traditional leader’s emphasis on God and moral conduct had resonated with him.
Bushiri said cultural heritage should be sustained alongside values that promote righteousness, wisdom and respect for God.
Appeal to protect Ngoni traditions
The preacher urged Malawians to preserve what he described as the positive elements of their cultural heritage and ensure that young people understand the traditions and history inherited from previous generations.
He said cultural preservation should not end with ceremonies, arguing that the values associated with heritage can continue to influence how communities raise and guide future generations.
Bushiri also encouraged people to honour those who came before them while preparing younger generations to carry their cultural identity into the future.
‘Proud to be Malawian’
Bushiri used his message at Umhlangano 2026 in Ntcheu to reaffirm both his cultural and national identity.
“I am proud of my roots, proud of my people, and proud to be Malawian,” he said.
He also offered prayers for Malawi’s traditional leaders and communities, calling for wisdom in leadership and blessings for the country.
The preacher ended his message with the Ngoni expression “Wawa Angoni, Wawa,” reinforcing his call for people to retain a strong connection to their identity.
Umhlangano places Ngoni culture in the spotlight
The annual Umhlangano wa Maseko Ngoni remains an important cultural gathering for communities seeking to celebrate and transmit Ngoni heritage.
This year’s event in Ntcheu brought traditional leadership and cultural identity into focus, while Bushiri’s participation added a prominent religious voice to discussions about the preservation of heritage.
His message centred on the need to move forward without abandoning cultural identity, with particular emphasis on ensuring that future generations understand and value their roots.
The gathering comes as traditional communities in Malawi continue to use cultural events such as Umhlangano to celebrate history, strengthen communal identity and maintain links between generations.
