the zambian kingdoms series: the nsenga people
the nsenga are a bantu ethnic group found primarily in petauke and nyimba districts of eastern province and in adjacent mozambique. their senior chief is kalindawalo m'ndikula, residing in merwe approximately 10 kilometres from petauke boma. his subjects include chiefs mwape, nyamphande, nyanje, mumbi, sandwe, nyalugwe, ndake, lwembe, and mwanjaw'anthu — a network of chiefdoms covering the territory between the luangwa valley and the eastern edge of the central plateau.
the nsenga language — chinsenga — is closely related to chinyanja and mutually intelligible with it. historical review shows the nsenga were to a large extent influenced by the chewa in language, culture, and way of living.
the tuwimba ceremony — held every 15 october. the founding story: one year, in the distant past, there was a severe drought. the rains did not arrive. the ground did not soften. no planting. no food. the chief led all the nsenga people into the deep bush, where they found a huge special tree. they prayed to the spirits at this tree and made offerings — tuwimba. before the tribe even got back to their homes, it had started to rain.
now every year on 15 october, the nsenga celebrate tuwimba at the precise moment when the ground needs to soften for planting. paramount chief kalindawalo makes an offering at the traditional shrine. groups of choirs and dance troupes from all over the nsenga-speaking areas. the nsongwe dance — the lively, energetic expression of joy and unity. in good years, ten thousand or more people attend.
petauke district is especially known for its kalimba music — the melodic, soulful thumb piano played during ceremonies and social gatherings. the nsenga are well known for their culture and artwork including bead work and basketry. they grow groundnuts as both a consumption crop and a cash crop. and they are warmly teased by their neighbours for their mbewa — the field mice that are a delicacy in eastern province.
the nsenga. petauke. chief kalindawalo. kachilonda village.
the zambian kingdoms series continues. and tonight it arrives home. 🇿🇲
