Zambian history is a culmination of the legacies of powerful traditional rulers whose influence spans centuries. Even in the modern era, traditional monarchs such as Mwata Kazembe of the Lunda, Chitimukulu of the Bemba, and the Litunga of the Lozi (historically known as Lewanika) continue to shape their monarchies. These kings, backed by centuries-old traditions, serve as custodians of culture, land, and identity.
Mwata Kazembe – The Lunda Kingdom
The Lunda Kingdom traces its roots to the 17th century when King Mwata Yamvo established a vast empire stretching from the present-day Democratic Republic of Congo into northern Zambia. Around the early 18th century, Mwata Kazembe I (Keleka Ngalu), a warrior leader, led an offshoot of the Lunda people into the Luapula region, founding what became known as the Kazembe Kingdom.
Mwata Kazembe ruled over a highly organised state, dominating trade routes that connected central Africa to the Portuguese traders on the coast of Angola. The kingdom became wealthy through trade in salt, copper, ivory, and even slaves, though the latter declined with the rise of colonial abolition efforts.
The Kazembe monarchy follows a matrilineal succession system, meaning that kings are selected from the maternal line of the royal clan. A council of elders, known as the Bakabilo, plays a critical role in identifying and endorsing the successor. Once enthroned, the Mwata Kazembe is considered the spiritual and political head of the Lunda people, responsible for land distribution and overseeing traditional laws.
Today, Mwata Kazembe remains highly respected in Luapula Province, hosting the famous Mutomboko Ceremony, a cultural festival that celebrates Lunda heritage and the kingdom’s historical conquests.
Chitimukulu – The Supreme Ruler of the Bemba
The Bemba Kingdom is one of Zambia’s most powerful, long-standing monarchies. With origins dating back to the late 17th century, the kingdom was established by Chiti Mukulu and his followers, who migrated from the Luba Empire in present-day Congo. The title of Chitimukulu, meaning “The Great One,” has been passed down through generations, symbolizing authority over the Bemba people.
The Bemba were a formidable military force, skilled in ironworking and known for their expansionist conquests. They practised raiding warfare, which expanded their influence across northern Zambia. Unlike centralised kingdoms like the Lunda or Lozi, the Bemba had a more decentralised but hierarchical system, where Chitimukulu ruled alongside powerful chiefs.
Bemba succession follows a unique electing process known as "ukutansha impanda." The future Chitimukulu is typically chosen from the Abena Ng’andu (Crocodile Clan). However, he must first serve as a chief of one of the lower chieftaincies, such as Mushili or Mpepo, before being approved by the Bashi Lubemba (Council of Elders). Once selected, he is taken to a sacred place called Mwalule, where rituals prepare him for leadership.
Chitimukulu continues to command power and respect in Bemba culture, particularly in Northern Province. Despite British colonial efforts to diminish his influence, the monarchy survived and continues to play a major role in land administration, cultural preservation, and community development.
Litunga – King of the Lozi (Lewanika’s Legacy)
The Lozi Kingdom (previously known as Barotseland) is one of the oldest monarchies in Zambia, with origins dating back to the 16th century. Its most famous ruler, Lewanika, ruled in the late 19th century and is credited with unifying the kingdom and negotiating with the British to protect his people from hostile invaders.
The Lozi people developed a highly sophisticated and centralised system of governance, with the Litunga (King) as the absolute ruler. Unlike many other Zambian tribes, the Lozi practised a dual-kingship system, where the main Litunga ruled the kingdom while a secondary ruler, the Ngambela (Prime Minister), handled administrative matters.
One of the kingdom’s defining features was its floodplain economy. The Lozi developed an advanced system of canals, bridges, and flood management to sustain their livelihoods along the Zambezi floodplains.
Unlike the Bemba and Lunda, the Litunga is not elected by a council. Instead, succession follows a strict royal lineage system, where the eldest son or closest male relative of the previous king takes the throne. However, political intrigue and power struggles have led to occasional conflicts over succession.
The Litunga remains powerful in Barotseland, and the kingdom’s most famous festival, the Kuomboka Ceremony, sees the Litunga travel in a grand barge from the flooded plains to higher ground. Today, the Litunga continues to play a vital role in preserving Lozi identity, customs, and land rights.
