Bemba Peoplee
Introduction to the Bemba People
The Bemba people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Zambia, primarily residing in the northern region of the country. With a population exceeding 4 million, they speak the Bemba language (ChiBemba or Icibemba), a major member of the Bantu language family. The Bemba have a strong cultural and linguistic identity rooted in their historic kingdom and community traditions.
Cultural Features: Matrilineal kinship system and a rich tradition of music and dance
Bemba Flag and Symbols
Although the Bemba people do not have an official ethnic flag like a nation-state, elements of their identity are indirectly reflected in the national flag and emblem of Zambia.
The eagle symbolizes "freedom and hope," while the colors green, black, red, and orange represent the land, the people, liberation, and mineral wealth of Africa, respectively.
As the largest ethnic group in Zambia, the Bemba often regard these colors and the eagle motif as symbolic emblems of their own cultural identity.
Language
Linguistic Family and Characteristics
ChiBemba belongs to the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo language family. It is classified under Zone M of the Bantu languages, alongside related languages such as Lunda and Bemba (Kasama).
Key features include:
- Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) word order
- Noun class system (prefixes define grammatical class and agreement)
- Agglutinative verb structure (prefixes indicate tense, subject, object, mood)
- Tonal language: pitch affects meaning
For example, the verb root fwaya means “to want”. Adding the 1st person singular prefix, we get ndéfwaya (“I want”).
Script
Writing System
Bemba does not have a traditional script. Today, it is written using the Latin alphabet, following the official orthography established by the Zambian government. It is widely used in education, media, and religious contexts.
Notable orthographic features:
- sh represents “sh” as in “she” (e.g., shani = “how”)
- bw blends both lips and a “w” sound (e.g., bwino = “good”)
- ch sounds like “ch” in “child” (e.g., chili = “is”)
Although Bemba is tonal, tones are not typically marked in writing.
Common Bemba Greetings and Phrases
| English | Bemba Language | Pronunciation |
| Hello | Muli shani? | MOO-lee SHAH-nee? |
|---|---|---|
| Good morning | Shani lelo? | SHAH-nee LEH-loh? |
| Thank you | Natotela | nah-toh-TEH-lah |
| I’m fine | Bwino | BWEE-no |
| Delicious | Chali bwino! | CHAH-lee BWEE-no! |
| Fun/Enjoyable | Ndefwaya bwino | N-deh-FWAH-yah BWEE-no |
The most common greeting is Muli shani? (“How are you?”), often answered with Bwino (“I’m fine”).
Region
Continent: Africa
Region: Northern Zambia, southern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and western Tanzania
Access Guide
The currency of the Bemba people is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW).
the Bemba People Region
Example routes to the Bemba People (Lusaka, Zambia)
| Departure City | Direct/Transit | Arrival Airport | Flight Time (approx.) | Reference Fare (one-way/round-trip, Economy) |
| Los Angeles | LA → via Europe → Lusaka | Lusaka Int'l (LUN) | About 22–31 hr | US$1,300–1,900 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | NY → via Europe → Lusaka | Lusaka Int'l (LUN) | About 20–29 hr | US$1,200–1,800 |
| London | London → via Johannesburg → Lusaka | Lusaka Int'l (LUN) | About 13–18 hr | £900–1,400 |
| Tokyo | Tokyo → via Dubai/Doha/Johannesburg → Lusaka | Lusaka Int'l (LUN) | About 21–30 hr | ¥190,000–320,000 |
| Sydney | Sydney → Doha/Dubai → Johannesburg → Lusaka | Lusaka Int'l (LUN) | About 22–32 hr | A$1,600–2,300 |
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong → Doha/Dubai → Johannesburg → Lusaka | Lusaka Int'l (LUN) | About 21–30 hr | HK$8,000–13,000 |
| Shanghai | Shanghai → Doha/Dubai → Johannesburg → Lusaka | Lusaka Int'l (LUN) | About 21–31 hr | CNY7,000–11,000 |
| Singapore | Singapore → Johannesburg → Lusaka | Lusaka Int'l (LUN) | About 19–27 hr | S$1,300–2,200 |
Language Origin
Historical Origins of the Language
The Bemba language likely evolved from early Bantu-speaking groups who migrated from Central Africa. According to oral tradition and historical studies (Roberts, 1973), the ancestors of the Bemba founded the Bemba Kingdom in the 16th century after branching from the Kongo Kingdom.
The kingdom developed around the Luapula River and established a strong chieftaincy system with the Chitimukulu (paramount chief) at the top. Bemba became a dominant language used in governance, culture, and ritual practices in northern Zambia.
Traditional Games
Traditional Bemba Games
Bemba children grow up playing physical and social games that help build coordination, hunting skills, and group identity. These traditional games often involve natural objects like stones, sticks, and hoops.
- Ichiyenga: a hand-throwing game using small stones or fruits, similar to juggling or Japanese otedama.
- Ciwaya: a mimicry game using makeshift bows and arrows for target practice—preparing boys for future hunting roles.
- Impale: a game where children chase rolling hoops with sticks, enhancing speed and reflexes.
- Kabukuba: a rhythmic clapping and hopping game played in groups, often with call-and-response songs.
- Dance contests: performed during festivals or rites of passage, showcasing agility, rhythm, and creativity.
Many of these games are accompanied by Bemba chants or songs, making them tools for language transmission and cultural storytelling.