The Mwata Kazembe will once again dance his people’s legacy into being. A 17th-century migration re-enacted, a warrior’s triumph relived, and a kingdom’s identity forged in motion. This two-day spectacle invites you to step into the Lunda people’s past, where every drumbeat and royal procession tells a story of conquest and survival.
For the people of the Lunda and Luba of Zambia’s Luapula province, the Mutomboko ceremony is much more than a dance or drama and show of regalia. It’s a living migration, memory, and meaning, a ritual where history follows one in each footstep. Although its origins can be traced back to the 1600s, the ceremony as we know it today is a tradition that has grown and changed. This two-day spectacle is held on the last weekend of July at the shores of Lake Mweru, in Mwansabombwe Village (Luapula Province of Zambia), where one is assured of an experience of one of Southern Africa’s richest historical legacies.
What is Mutomboko?
Mutomboko is neither ancient nor static in the same way many traditional ceremonies have been. It is an annual celebration of the 17th-century trek of the Lunda people as they fled the Luba Kingdom, commanded by the warrior Mwata Kazembe. Their dominance over the Luapula Valley is re-enacted through dance (umutomboko), to proclaim victory over tribulation and the right to a godly kingship.
The story begins with the Lunda Empire, a confederation across Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia by the 1600s. Its capital lay in Katanga (Zaire), held by Mwata Yamvo (King of Snakes). When Prince Kazembe moved eastward, he established an eastern Lunda kingdom in the Luapula Valley of Zambia—a land of rivers and fish-filled lakes.
What Happens During Mutomboko?
Day 1: Sacred Preparations
- Kusanga Kulumbi: Mwata Kazembe, with his face powdered white, accepts tributes within the palace. Goats, spears and traditional beer (katata) are also given to him as a medium to the ancestors.
- Night Vigils: At the grave sites (malende), women sing histories, a chilling prelude to common events.
Day 2: Mutomboko Main Ceremony
The grand event occurs in the central arena:
- The Muselo Entrance: Mwata comes in as a victorious king. He is carried by eight men on a palanquin. He has a zebra pelt (mpuya) and a flywhisk, which symbolises authority.
- The Meaning of the Umutomboko Dance: Dressed in traditional warrior attire, Mwata sets the stage on fire with a war dance while holding a sword (mpoko) and axe (chisoka). Every move is symbolic-pointing north to the Kasenga River, east/south to claimed lands, and skyward to divine power.
- Tribal Homage: Sub-chiefs and groups like Bena Chiyengele (horn-blowers) perform loyalty dances, further reaffirming the unity of the kingdom.
Umutomboko 2025 Travel Guide
During the Mutomboko ceremony, each guest is required to follow cultural etiquette while dressed modestly. Women put on chitenge wraps or ankle-length skirts, while men wear long trousers and avoid flashy colours to respect the royals who wear striking white and red.
The customs are as exact as: greet with a hearty “Eh Mwane!” alongside three claps and don’t come close to the sacred Muselo. Any person who steps on the muselo has their shoes confiscated!
How to Get to Mwansabombwe
Mwansabombwe Village is accessible via a 4-hour drive from Ndola or by flight via Proflight Zambia from Lusaka to Ndola, connecting to Mansa Airport. Local taxis and guided tours are available from Luapula’s provincial capital.
Where to Stay
The committee typically maintains a list of available accommodations and rates. Contact them when planning your visit to the ceremony. Book early!
What to Expect
You’ll witness the powerful role of women as the Tunkang’a (initiated girls) perform the Muyawandalama fertility dance. This ceremony is Africa’s past made visceral. You will feel history as the Mwata Kazembe celebrates with his sword during the July festivities in 2025. There is a saying by locals that goes, “Come as a spectator and leave as a witness,” and, after standing in the dust of Mwansabombwe and feeling the warm air with the distant drums in the background recalling ages of unwavering strength, you will fully comprehend everything.
