Multi-media personality, wedding MC, and social media influencer Emmanuel Kazungo, popularly known as Ken Dumbo, has encouraged content creators in Zambia to embrace traditional ceremonies as a source of knowledge, creativity, and authentic storytelling.
Speaking in an interview with Lusaka Star, Kazungo said attending traditional ceremonies should be viewed as a personal experience rather than a selective activity.
“Traditional ceremonies is not about being selective, it is about what it means to you as an individual. Some go for adventure to perceive what happens and some it is about culture,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of exposure for content creators, noting that understanding culture enhances content quality.
“To content creators, you are a creator with a diverse audience, you need to be more knowledgeable about a number of things. One of it is traditional ceremonies,” he said.
Kazungo added that a deeper understanding of cultural practices helps creators produce accurate and meaningful content.
“As a film maker you will know more without misleading people about culture in your films. A clear understanding is all about their beliefs,” he said.
He further noted that increased use of technology has helped promote traditional ceremonies and expand their reach.
“Ncwala has been consistent every year and advancement in technologies have helped other traditional ceremonies to be marketed. This draws more attention to the entertainment industry,” he said.
Meanwhile, comedian and content creator Francis Jr Kaluwe, popularly known as Soldier Boy, said traditional ceremonies could be made more engaging through interactive activities.
“Other traditional ceremonies could spice things up with more interactive entertainment like dance offs, comedy debate or even traditional games, that’s my thought,” he said.
He added that such experiences contribute to creative development.
“It boosts creativity. I for one to some extent have learnt a lot. The energy, the music, the culture, it’s like fuel for comedy skits,” he said.
Content creator Aaron Dominic also stressed the importance of storytelling in content creation.
“As a creator, storytelling is everything. Ceremonies give you real narratives. Move from just showing a ceremony to actually making people feel and understand it,” he said.
He encouraged creators to focus on meaning and perspective in their work, urging them to strike a balance while appreciating the significance of Zambian traditional ceremonies.