Presents:
The Legends of Nambya: Understanding the Ancient Rozvi/Lozwi Descent and Their Rich Cultural Legacy
Nation building celebrating our shared common history.
Introduction
Nambya "Mwaka wabonwa, ni nyumba ya kutwalika ku chalo cethu cha banambya nobu shina sha makumbi." This translates to "Good day to you, it's a joy to share with you my culture and rich history."
The Nambya people, also known as BaNambya, have a rich and distinct history within Zimbabwe's diverse cultural landscape. With a unique language, cultural practices, and social structures. The Nambya have significantly contributed to the nation's history and cultural heritage. Sizwangendaba, a Nambya musician, was part of Christopher Shoko's Kwejani Band and is considered a pioneer in recording and popularizing Nambya music on radio. The Watcher had an opportunity to see them playing live at Hwange Colliery Number 2 Madumabisa in the mid 80s. i also shared a class with Babra Ndlovu from form one to form 4 who was from this wonderful nation.
An etymological comparison between "Nambya" and "Namibia" reveals that the similarities in their names are coincidental, as their origins are distinct. The name "Nambya" refers to a Bantu ethnic group native to the regions spanning Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana, whose name stems from their language, Chishimba or Shimambia. On the other hand, "Namibia" is derived from the Namib Desert, which is believed to originate from the Nama word "nami" meaning "vast" or "endless" (Simon, 2006).
Despite the apparent similarity in their names and geographical proximity, the terms "Nambya" and "Namibia" are derived from different languages and cultural contexts, highlighting the intricate linguistic diversity of the African continent.
The origins of the Nambya can be traced back to the Great Zimbabwe Empire, where they subsequently migrated and settled in areas around Hwange, Victoria Falls, and north-eastern Botswana. As they traversed through different territories, they encountered and interacted with other ethnic groups, such as the Kalanga, which influenced their language and cultural practices (Chigwedere, 1982).
Tendayi Moyo from the Victoria falls tour guide. The Nambya are of Shona descent from Great Zimbabwe with relations to the Ndwandwe and Kwanda who come from the Great Zimbabwe with Sewhanga who fled to Dete
Accprding to mzala Tom the oral tradition of the 18 century dates when Dende/Sawanga a Lozwi/Rozve king Danangombe broke away from his father to cross the Zambezi to settle in Whange/Hwange in the lower Gwayi river Bhale area. Nyatuwe and Lukosi areas where they mixed with the Leya/Muleya people at he meeting place Shangano hill. And build stone walls.
These walls incorporated the Kalanga,Shangwe, Leya Dombe, Nambya and Tonga with the main dialect being baNazi and baNyayi. The Nambya people build the cities such as Dete, BumbusiShana which all have stone palaces. This nation became the barrier between the Ndebele and Lozi Kingdom of Zambia and the generals of Nambya resisted Mzilikazi to fight Lozwi Sebetwane on a battle with Mzilikazi they lost the battle and Whange was installed by Mzilikazi and pushed some Nambyas into Botswana (Deka,
Pandamatenga, Kachikaiu, Mabale and Maun). The other groups moved to Khumaga/Khama iii and joined Bangwato who live in Palapye and Serowe to date they are in Senapa Ward in Serowe Botswana. They also moved into Makalamadi, Mopipi in the Boteti/Xhumo ion the area and Gweta in the Kalanga area. and Zambia. It is Mzilikazi who nicknamed them abaNanzwa, those loved and taken care of. Lobengula later had a regiment named amaBhukudwane which encoperated the Nambya generals top manage the Nambya politics.
Another narrative from George Manyombe relates that the Nambya people left Masvingo and came to cross Kana river to Gwayi/lwaye river with their heards and came to settle at the Lukezhe/Lukosi known as Tinde today. The Daughter of the chief birthed a child called Pashu (locust) which ushered a drought which forced them to move to the north to place called Kabila near the Tonga of Zambezi, and after the birth of “Shaba” they turned west to settle in Gwayi river at Chingehali know as Kumati today.
They had a fight with Wese Chilukutu a spiritualist to setle at Detema known as Dete today. In nessence the Nambya people are of Rozvi descent, the Dewa, Dende, Sabathule with their chief known Mambo. Their totems is that of the Monkey (Mukanya). They dynasy Matowa, Shangano and Bumbusi, and King Nchenngwa Nengasha as the last king before colonization. In the later date Nekatambe ruled from 1903 to 1950 from the Kuhwaya, Tobela, and Kutizhisa
Within the 1000km radius you will find ruins and Unique stone monuments which Connect them to the Monomutapa Empire at Great Zimbabwe.
1. Naletale: Located in Botswana, Naletale is an ancient settlement with stone ruins and rock paintings. The site is believed to have been occupied by early Bantu-speaking peoples and offers insights into their way of life.
2. Ingombe Ilede: Situated in Zambia, Ingombe Ilede is an archaeological site featuring stone ruins and artifacts that date back to the Iron Age. The site provides valuable information about the history and culture of early inhabitants in the region.
3. Domboshaba: Also located in Botswana, Domboshaba is an ancient settlement with stone ruins and rock art. The site is believed to have been inhabited by ancestors of the San/karanga/Kalanga people and provides evidence of their culture and way of life. With Masunga as King in the area to date.
4. Thulamela: Thulamela, located in South Africa, is an important archaeological site with stone ruins and artifacts from the Iron Age. The site was once the capital of the Venda Kingdom and offers insights into the history and culture of the region.
The area inhabited by the Nambya people, spanning across Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and Botswana, is known for its rich historical heritage and vast game reserves along the Kasane region. Some notable ruins and stone monuments in this region include:
5. Great Zimbabwe Ruins: The most famous and impressive ancient stone structures in the region, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins are located in southeastern Zimbabwe. This UNESCO World Heritage
6. Mapungubwe Hill. Located in South Africa, near the borders with Botswana and Zimbabwe, Mapungubwe Hill is an important archaeological site featuring the remains of a medieval African kingdom. The site dates back to between 1075 and 1220 AD and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7. Lekhubu Island: Situated in Botswana, Lekhubu Island is home to the ruins of the ancient city of Kgosi Sechele, which was once a thriving settlement. The site features stone walls and other structures that offer insights into the history of the region.
These historical sites and monuments associated with the Mutapa Empire (also known as Mwenemutapa/Munhumutapwa or Monomotapa) serve as evidence of the shared ancient history and vast territory of the empire before colonization. These sites provide valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural aspects of the Mutapa Empire, which was once an influential and prosperous Empire of the Southern Africa.
Language and Cultural Identity
Nambya language, also known as Shimambia or Chishimba, is a Bantu language that shares similarities with the TjiKalanga language due to historical interactions between the two groups (Ndana, 2016). The language is spoken by a significant portion of the Nambya population and plays a crucial role in preserving their cultural identity.
Unique Cultural Practices
Nambya culture is characterized by a strong sense of community, which is evident in their traditional practices and social structures. Music, dance, and storytelling are integral aspects of their cultural expression, with rituals and ceremonies often centered around these art forms (Chigwedere, 1982).
One unique aspect of the Nambya culture is their rainmaking rituals, which involve the use of mbira music and other traditional instruments. This ritual highlights the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature, as the community relies on rainfall for agricultural sustenance (Berliner, 1978).
Rainmaking ceremonies play a significant role in the spiritual and cultural practices of various communities in Zimbabwe, including the Nambya people. These ceremonies are often linked to sacred sites of Njelele Shrine and Matobo Hills the Sanctuary of Mwarj.
The Njelele Shrine, located in the Matovo Hills, is a place of great spiritual significance for many Zimbabwean communities. It is associated with rainmaking ceremonies that involve praying and performing rituals to invoke the ancestral spirits for rain and a good harvest.
The Matopos Hills area, where the Njelele Shrine is located, is also considered sacred by the local communities (that's where the evil Cecil John Rhodes decided to be buried, turning our temple into a graveyard). The hills are believed to be the residence of the spiritual being Mwali (also known as Mwari), who is associated with creation, fertility, and rainfall.
Similarly, the Nambya people, along with other communities in the region, conduct rainmaking ceremonies to seek blessings from their ancestors and ensure a prosperous agricultural season. These ceremonies involve traditional dances, music, and the use of sacred objects like gourds and drums.
Although the specific rituals and practices may vary among different communities, rainmaking ceremonies serve as a common thread that connects the spiritual beliefs and cultural practices of various groups, including the Nambya, to sacred sites like Njelele Shrine and Matopos Hills. The nations are different but their culture and spirituality is connected to the same Sanctuary, different people with the same Mwali/Mwari.
Social Structures
Traditionally, Nambya society is organized around family clans, which play a crucial role in maintaining social order and preserving cultural values (Ndana, 2016). This strong emphasis on kinship and communal ties has contributed to the Nambya's resilience and adaptability throughout their history.
Contributions to Zimbabwe's History and Culture
The Nambya people's contributions to Zimbabwe's socio-cultural landscape are manifold. Not only have they enriched the cultural diversity of the region, but they have also played a role in the historical developments that have shaped the nation (Chigwedere, 1982).
By preserving their unique cultural identity and contributing to Zimbabwe's cultural heritage, the Nambya serve as an essential part of the nation's collective memory and identity.
Finally
The Nambya people's history, language, and culture form an essential part of Zimbabwe's diverse cultural tapestry. Their unique cultural practices, social structures, and contributions to the nation's history make them an integral part of Zimbabwe's rich heritage. By acknowledging and celebrating their unique role in shaping Zimbabwe's past and present, we can foster greater appreciation for the intricate cultural mosaic that defines the nation.
FoT
Farmers of Thought
References
*Simon, R. J. (2006). The Namib Desert. Extreme Ecosystems, 13-23.
Migration and Settlement
* Chigwedere, A. S. (1982). The distribution of the Bantu languages in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean Prehistory: Zimbabwean Prehistory, 272-280.
* Ndana, N. (2016). The History of the Nambya people. GRIN Verlag.
* Berliner, P. F. (1978). The Soul of Mbira: Music and Traditions of the Shona People of Zimbabwe. University of California Press.
* Ranger, T. O. (1999). The Mwana Lesa’s prayers: Politics and cultural identity among the BaNambya of North-western Zimbabwe. Journal of Southern African Studies, 25(4), 541-562.
*. Drewett, M., Ncube, L., & Chimusoro, S. (2015). Zimtango: A lifestyle of music and dance in a changing Zimbabwe. Canadian Journal of African Studies/Revue canadienne des études africaines, 49(1), 75-92.
*. Musiyiwa, S. (2018). Banambya people of Hwange-unique culture and customs. Medium. Retrieved from [https://medium.com/@shingaimusiyiwa/banambya-people-of-hwange-unique-culture-and-customs-5cd0aaf2baf9](https://medium.com/@shingaimusiyiwa/banambya-people-of-hwange-unique-culture-and-customs-5cd0aaf2baf9)
*. Tracey, H. (1948). The folk-tales of the Ba-Nambya. The South African Journal of Science, 44(6), 172-173.
*Cheza, S. (2017). A study on the relationship between Nambya and Kalanga languages: Similarities and differences. International Journal of Linguistics and Communication, 5(2), 82-92.
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