Lango Revives Traditional Arts to Tackle Societal Ills

The Lango Cultural Institution is spearheading a cultural revival, utilizing the power of song and drama to address pressing societal challenges and impart vital moral lessons. This initiative, dubbed ‘Galo Wang Won Nyaci’ (entertaining the Paramount Chief), is championed by Won Nyaci (Paramount Chief of Lango), Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune.

The program sees traditional cultural groups performing songs and dramatic pieces carefully crafted with educational messages. The recent inaugural event featured the Yab Yolo Company Limited, a traditional dance troupe from Alebtong District, at the Won Nyaci’s Palace in Lira City.

The performances focus on contemporary issues such as domestic violence, inheritance disputes, greed, the significance of education, and gender equality. This approach marks a return to an age-old tradition where cultural performances served as a primary means of disseminating knowledge and values.

Richard Ogwal, the Lango Cultural Institution’s Minister for Music, Dance, and Drama, highlighted the program’s role in re-establishing traditional teaching methods for the younger generation, emphasizing cultural preservation. Joe Otim, the Lango Minister for Gender, urged media outlets to amplify these locally composed songs, recognizing their potential to positively influence young people.

Won Nyaci encouraged artists to create content that tackles social ills head-on, including adultery’s impact on marriages, HIV/AIDS prevention, corruption, and child defilement. He also called for music that educates new local leaders on good governance and the risks associated with facilitating illegal land sales.