The Bemba people, part of the Bantu ethnic group, primarily reside in Zambia’s Northern, Luapula, Muchinga, and northern Central Provinces. Their migration to Zambia began before 1740 when they crossed the Luapula River from Kola (in present-day Democratic Republic of Congo). Although they are not originally from the Copperbelt Province, many settled there in the 1930s due to employment opportunities in copper mining.
Structure and Society
- Village Living: Bemba villages typically consist of 100 to 200 people. By 1963, their population was around 250,000.
- Ruling Clan: The Abena Ng’andu clan serves as the Bemba ruling class, tracing its roots to Mbemba Nshinga, a ruler of the Kingdom of Kongo from 1509 to 1543. The clan’s totem is a crocodile, which reflects their ancestral heritage.
- Leadership: The paramount leader of the Bemba is the Chitimukulu. The current ruler, Chitimukulu Kanyanta-manga II, is the 38th to hold this position, having ascended the throne in August 2013.
Historical Migration
- Initial Migration: The Bemba initially moved from Kola (often confused with Angola) to the Luba Kingdom. In the 17th century, an anti-Portuguese rebellion caused further migration led by Nkole and Chiti, sons of Luba King Mukulumpe.
- Eastward Migration: They eventually crossed the Luapula River into Zambia, where they founded their first capital, Ng’wena.
- Expansion and Conflicts: Under the 22nd Chitimukulu, Mukuka wa Malekano, the Bemba expanded their territory, pushing out other ethnic groups like the Lungu.
Governance
- Chieftainships: The Bemba Kingdom is divided into semi-autonomous chieftainships governed by the Chitimukulu’s relatives. Major titles include Nkula and Mwamba (elder brothers) and Nkole Mfumu and Mpepo (younger brothers).
- Modern Changes: Despite colonial rule and subsequent independence, Bemba chieftainships have retained much of their traditional structure. Today, the Chitimukulu serves primarily a cultural and ceremonial role.
Culture and Language
- Language: The Bemba language, Ichibemba, is a Bantu language with close ties to Kiswahili, Kaonde, and Luba. It is mainly spoken in the Northern, Luapula, and Copperbelt Provinces of Zambia.
- Society: Traditionally, the Bemba practice slash-and-burn agriculture with manioc and millet as primary crops, while livestock farming also plays a role. The society is matrilineal, emphasizing close bonds between women, especially mothers and daughters.
Scholarly Insights
- Status Consciousness: Scholars like Richards (1939) and Mukuka (2013) highlight that the Bemba are highly conscious of rank and position, while also being adaptable and courteous.
- Challenges: Mukuka also points out that the Bemba identity faced disruption during colonial times as traditional cultural practices were devalued in favor of Western systems. This period led to questions of identity, which were explored through Bemba literature and factual novels.
The Bemba people are a significant ethnic group with a rich history, marked by their distinctive political organization, social structures, and resilience in maintaining their cultural identity amidst external influences.
