The idea of visiting the temple of Dr. Kanuska emerged in discussions between Albert Manda and Piotr Dang.
Kanuska lived several dozen kilometers from Mzuzu, the urban home of the Tonga Boys. In coming up with this plan, Albert and Piotr had three intentions in mind: to pay respect to the spirits that were worshipped by Kanuska, to perform a concert with the group from the temple, and finally, to initiate an ethnographic research.
“Hahaha, do you want us to sleep THERE?” Guta and Myrius asked in disbelief when Albert suggested the trip. THERE – meant in the temple (the thempire), in a spiritual place not intended for city boys. "But OK, let's go there. We're ready for the program", added Guta after a while.
During an introductory conversation with Peter Kaunda and Piotr, Kanuska invited the entire team. “Tampokelelani”, “You are welcome”.
The Tonga Boys got off the bus on the main road in the morning. We took a shortcut through the mountains along a narrow path winding through tall cornfields. About halfway through, we lost our way. We jumped through streams and passed the temporary farm huts of seasonal workers, and fields of corn and tobacco.
Well after dark, and only thanks to the help of the local Traditional Authority, we finally heard the sound of drums: it was the Kanuska band warming up before the vimbuza session.
We were invited to rest, and it was not obvious who provoked the bigger flutter: the white ethnographer or the extravagant city boys. We were lying on mats in Kanuska's living room, feeling alienated. Meanwhile, in the thempire, the crowd thickened. The participants were not only cult members, but also rural youth who gathered to listen to a group from the city.
Kanuska explained "We will do everything according to the rules. First, we will go in procession to the temple, then we will pray. Then one of my students will dance for the spirits. After him, you will perform."
Now, you can hear what happened next.
credits
released October 10, 2021
Recorded in 2019 at the Temple of Doctor Kanuska Msowoya. Recordings and mixes by Piotr Dang Cichocki. Production by Piotr Dang Cichocki, Guta Manda, Thomas Msowoya
instruments played by: Solomon Nikho, Guta Manda, Albert Manda, Peter Kaunda, Myrius Mnthali, Thomas Msowoya, Maclean Nyasulu, Raphael Banda, Piotr Dang Cichocki
singers are also: Kanuska Msowoya and her choir, Andy One
Cover art Wojciech Kucharczyk
Mastering Michał Kupicz
The publication was supported by the University of Warsaw as part of the IDUB program.
