BiLTA Scripture-to-Song Workshop Produces 14 Chikunda Scripture Songs in Luangwa

 BiLTA NEWS  |  SCRIPTURE ENGAGEMENT
Feira, Luangwa District  |  25-27 August 2026
  BiLTA Scripture-to-Song Workshop Produces 14 Chikunda Scripture Songs in Luangwa

FEIRA, LUANGWA DISTRICT - The Bible and Literature Translation Association (BiLTA), in partnership with Walk In Two Worlds, recently held a three-day Scripture-to-Song Workshop in Feira. The workshop focused on transforming translated oral Bible Scriptures into songs that speak naturally to the local community through the Chikunda language, traditional tunes, and familiar musical forms. 

The training was facilitated by Dr. Douglas Anthony and Mary Lu Anthony, with support from Rev. Andrew Chipeta. Dr. Tizola and his assistant, Shenaza, welcomed the team and helped coordinate local arrangements with the community. Mr. Joseph Phiri and Pastor Francis Tembo served as translators throughout the workshop. 

A workshop rooted in Chikunda language and culture 
Twenty-seven participants representing eight churches in Luangwa District attended. Young people, youths and elders worked side by side, bringing with them knowledge of Chikunda songs, dances, oral traditions and cultural history. This mix of generations enriched the songwriting process and created space for cultural knowledge to be shared while participants explored new ways of engaging with Scripture. 

Throughout the workshop, participants also learned about Chikunda culture and music. Traditional melodies and rhythms became part of the creative process as groups considered how biblical passages and stories could be expressed in forms that people can sing, remember, and share in churches, homes, and community gatherings. 

Fourteen new songs composed and recorded 
By the conclusion of the workshop on 27 August 2026, participants had composed and recorded 14 new Chikunda Scripture songs. Two of the compositions were story-based songs, showing how biblical narratives can be carried through music and oral storytelling. Participants also translated and sang the Zambia National Anthem in the Chichikunda language. 

 The trainers thanked the participants for the time, commitment, and cultural knowledge they brought to the three days of learning, creating and worshipping together. The workshop showed how translated Scripture can move beyond the page or spoken recording and become part of the music that communities already know and value.

| “Translation for transformation through empowering local communities to translate, make available and engage Scripture for understanding in their heart language.” BiLTA Vision

Bible and Literature Translation Association (BiLTA)  |  Translation for Transformation