Ocen Alex
Lira City
In a groundbreaking move, the Okarowok Wibye Acel (OWA) clan, renowned for its vibrancy and rich cultural heritage, has invented a novel traditional dance. This innovative expression of unity and inclusivity is set to captivate not only the clan’s members across the Lango Sub Region but also the broader Lango community.
Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Laury Lawrence Ocen, a respected University Don and clan head, the OWA clan has been working tirelessly to promote unity and solidarity among its members. During recent youth rallies, Dr. Ocen has been sharing his enthusiasm for the new traditional dance, emphasizing its significance in fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness.
The dance, aptly named Myel wibye and Myel Juk kolo, is a testament to the clan’s commitment to celebrating their diversity while embracing their shared identity. According to Dr. Ocen, “The aunthil (home) is a symbol of our kinship, relationship, and links within Okarowok Wibye Acel. We must strive to work together for the betterment of our clan, acknowledging the diverse characters, personalities, and orientations that exist among us.” He said there are peasants, traders, community workers, civil servants, educated, non educated, thieves, wizards, witches, security personnel, peace makers, peace breakers and many more of different categories and they all stay on the aunthil.
The instruments used in the dance are equally significant, with the drum taking center stage as a mobilizing force, inviting clan members to come together for development activities and unity. The BIG DRUM’s resonant beat signals the start of the performance, as dancers and instrumentalists take their positions in the performance area.
Apart from the KING/QUEEN DRUM used to invite dancers into the playing arena, other instruments that shall be used to include tube fiddle, flute, xylophone, foot rattle, and thumb piano. The rationale is that MYEL WIBYE is an inclusive dance that accommodates all talents and creative gifts that children of Okarowok Wibye Acel have. They must all be allowed to express their different talents within the creative space according to Dr. Ocen.
The dancers and instrumentalists shall be selected inclusively. The costumes shall represent different categories of people that live in a home called Wibye. We might not include all categories in a single, given dance, said Dr. Ocen.
Dr. Ocen vehemently told his clan members that the two new traditional dances will help his clan and the community in reducing;
· Domestic violence
· Gender Based Violence
· Land disputes
· Political Conflicts
· Role conflicts among others.
This vibrant new traditional dance is poised to become an iconic representation of Lango culture, promoting unity, inclusivity, and celebration of diversity. As the OWA clan continues to thrive under Dr. Ocen’s leadership, their innovative spirit and commitment to community will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the region.
In the next episode of Myel Wibye and Myel Juk Kolo, we shall unveil the proposed pattern / information for both dances.
Wonderful for togetherness and unity.