Sisaali Language Lecturer Honored as Second Edition of Zensi Gberi Festival Climax in Burkina Faso

In a vibrant display of heritage and resilience, the Sisaala community of Burkina Faso celebrated the grand finale of the second edition of the Zensi Gberi Festival yesterday in Buro. The month-long cultural celebration, which brought together 32 Sisaala communities, reached its peak with a national ceremony attended by top-ranking government officials, traditional leaders, and hundreds of indigenes from across the sub-region.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of special awards to individuals who have dedicated their lives to the preservation of Sisaala identity. Among the laureates was Hon. Moses Dramani Luri, a Pioneer native linguist, pioneer lecturer of Sissali language at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) and the founding member of Sisaali studies and the Founder and CEO of SILDEP.

Hon. Luri, an indigene of Wasai, was awarded a Certificate of Honor for his outstanding contributions to the promotion of the Sisaali language and culture. His work has been instrumental in elevating Sisaali linguistics both locally and on the international academic stage, ensuring the mother tongue remains a living legacy for future generations.

With a population estimated between 30,000 and 40,000 in Burkina Faso, the Sisaala people are a minority tribe that has proactively sought ways to stay active and visible within the national fabric. The festival’s name, “Zensi Gberi,” translates to “Xylophone Play,” and it serves as a symbolic pillar of their identity.
The festival aims to protect and promote the two heartbeat instruments of the tribe: the Zensi (Xylophone) and the traditional drum. Throughout the month, these instruments were used to engage the youth, teaching them the rhythmic intricacies and the oral histories passed down by their ancestors.

The celebration was more than a display of music; it was a strategic call for peace. Set against the backdrop of rising security concerns in the sub-region, the central theme focused on uniting the Sisaala community with other tribes.
In a powerful show of solidarity, other ethnic groups were invited to display their cultures, reinforcing a long-standing history of peaceful coexistence. The presence of high-profile dignitaries, including the Minister for Culture, the Deputy Regional Minister, and various political heads, underscored the festival’s national importance.

The event in Buro—the largest Sisaala community and the district capital—captured the attention of the entire nation, The climax was telecast live, bringing the sights and sounds of Sisaala drumming, singing, and “Appellation” (praise poetry) into homes across Burkina Faso.

Local radio stations from Sisaala East (Ghana) were also present, highlighting the cross-border cultural ties between Sisaala communities in both countries. As the second edition draws to a close, the Sisaala community has once again proven that while they may be small in number, their cultural footprint is deep. By honoring pioneers like Moses Luri and empowering the youth through the Zensi Gberi, the tribe is ensuring that its “Aduowia” (cultural protection) remains steadfast for years to come.

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