In Uganda, a Rich Tradition Fades As Djs Replace Funeral Musicians GlobalPress: Uganda
Dust and cobwebs have gathered around Lawrence Ogambo's fumbo, the long hollow drum played during the traditional burial rite of the Jopadhola. It's been more than 50 years since Ogambo, 90, has played it at a funeral.
The men play the fumbo and dance with spears, as if to stab death itself for taking their loved one, says Ogambo. Women dance while wailing, wearing banana leaves around their waists that later will be thrown into the grave. The ceremony ends the following afternoon, when the deceased is buried. Despite his amusement, Ogambo fears the tradition could disappear when the last musicians like him die.
Okello says he intends to teach his children to play the fumbo but recognizes that young people increasingly prefer the radio -- even though it's more expensive than hiring traditional musicians like himself. The spread of Christianity in Uganda has probably contributed to the ajore's waning as well. Two decades ago, Evaline Awori invited funeral musicians to mourn her husband. Now, she says she danced at the funeral as if she was"possessed."
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