Silence in Limulunga Royal Village as the Royal drums sound to alert Barotseland the death of the Queen

File: The Litunga and his wife

The death of a spouse of the reigning Litunga, though un common, is a normal natural phenomenon in Barotseland, reports The Barose Post.

In all cases, however, the sounding of the Ngongi is usually proceeded by people, especially the strong and the energetic, gathering at Namuso, the Kuta (Royal court). Namuso Court (literally the Mother of all courts) is the highest court in Barotseland. There are Kutas at all tiers of governance in Barotseland, down to the village level. It is at the Kuta that necessary instructions would be issued to respond appropriately to whatever calamity that may have befallen the Kingdom.

In this case, however, not only is the Ngongi sounded for purposes of announcing the Royal death but also as a way of showing solidarity to the deceased and the bereaved Royal family, signifying to them that the entire Bulozi (Barotseland) is with them in their Royal loss. The drumming of the NGONGI is interposed with the Sinkoya drums and singing – this being the special drum of the Nkoya people of Barotseland that normally features in all Royal ceremonies such as the Kuomboka.

Today especially, the Royal family members will be conferring in and around Nayuma museum, at a place called ‘Mwambo’. This is the dwelling place of the Litunga’s most senior adviser. In the Lozi traditional set up, the Litunga’s adviser is always a ‘motherly’ wise woman who lives opposite to the palace, and it is in her court yard that the royals have been and will continue to confer.

During this unfortunate period, the ‘Mwenduko’ that plays at night to send the Litunga to sleep and wake him up the next day in the morning, will not be played.

His Royal Majesty the Litunga, king of Barotseland too, will be in the ‘Kashandi’ (Throne Room) with His senior Indunas (members of his Cabinet), together with few close family and friends. It is also in the Kashandi where the Litunga performs his Royal duties such as meeting distinguished and invited guests. The Kashandi is well fitted with not only conference rooms but also rooms for social interactions and amenities such as Lunches, and dinners.

Traditionally the Kashandi is referred to as the ‘High Place’, as such when you are taken to have audience with the Litunga, you are considered as one that ‘ascends to a Higher Place’, the undertaking called traditionally as ‘Kukambama’

Barotseland is, therefore, indeed in morning with is His Royal Majesty the Litunga, Lubosi Imwiko II at the passing away of The Mooyo Imwambo, Her Royal Highness Princess Mulako.