Tukubum Cultural Festival Activities

Programs & Activities

Tukubum Cultural Festival Activities

Where Culture Comes Alive

The Tukubum Cultural Festival is a three-day celebration of music, dance, art, fashion, and tradition, a space where the Bum people and their friends reconnect with their heritage and express the rhythm of unity.
Each activity tells a story: of who we are, where we come from, and how culture can unite communities across generations.

Cultural Harmony

The festival unites eight Fondoms, Bum, Sawi, Saff, Jull, Mbuk, Mbamlu, Faat, and Mungong, through music, dance, and shared tradition. Each performance reflects the spirit of “One People, One Heart.”

Creative Expression

From traditional crafts to modern fashion, Tukubum is a living exhibition of Bum creativity. Artisans, youth designers, and performers showcase how ancient wisdom inspires new forms of beauty and innovation.

The heartbeat of Tukubum

Traditional Dances & Music

From the opening procession to the closing ceremony, drums and melodies echo through Fonfuka. Each of the eight Fondoms brings its own signature rhythm and dance — from royal processions and masquerades to youth dance troupes and women’s choruses.

Highlights include:

The “Ngu Bui” dance of Sawi — a bold warrior rhythm symbolizing strength and protection.
“Spirit of the Drums” by Jull, winner of the Best Dance Group in 2024.
Soulful flute and drum ensembles that tell ancient stories through sound.

Where creativity meets memory

Cultural Exhibitions (Arts, Crafts & Artifacts)

The Cultural Village at Tukubum showcases Bum’s rich material heritage, from handcrafted drums and beads to royal stools, spears, and pottery. Local artisans display and sell their creations, while elders explain the meaning behind traditional symbols.

Visitors experience how every item — a bracelet, a mat, a carving — carries the spirit of Bum craftsmanship and storytelling.

Celebrating talent, strength, and unity

Games & Competitions

The festival’s fun and competitive side brings excitement to every crowd. Youth and adults take part in traditional and modern contests designed to promote teamwork and community pride.

Activities include:

Traditional wrestling between Fondoms — a test of courage and strength.
Drumming & dance-offs judged by a panel of cultural experts.
Cross-country races, horse racing, and quiz contests on Bum history.

Learning from the past, shaping the future

Workshops & Cultural Talks

Beyond performance, Tukubum is also a platform for learning and dialogue. Experts, elders, and youth leaders lead discussions on:

The importance of cultural preservation in a changing world.
Peacebuilding through traditional governance.
Youth empowerment and innovation in heritage industries.
Diaspora connections and cultural identity.

Workshops often feature interactive storytelling sessions, documentary screenings, and art therapy activities for children.

Taste and style, the Bum way

Food & Fashion Showcases

The festival wouldn’t be complete without its Food & Fashion Showcases, where the senses come alive.

Food Fair: Local dishes such as achu, corn fufu, njama-njama, and honey products fill the air with delicious aromas.
Fashion Parade: Models and community members display traditional and modern outfits, from Fon’s robes and women’s beadwear to innovative youth designs blending culture with contemporary trends.

This is a celebration of identity through taste, color, and creativity.

Tukubum is not just about what we do, but what we become when we do it — one people, one spirit, one festival.

Watch the 2024 Highlights