The enduring cultural heritage of the Kaonde people took centre stage on Saturday 1st August as thousands gathered at the Mumena Royal Establishment in Kalumbila District for the climax of the 2026 Lubiinda Ntongo Traditional Ceremony, with His Royal Highness Chief Dr. Mumena calling for the preservation of traditions that continue to define the community’s identity.
Held under the theme “Kisho Kyetu, Bobunonshi Bwetu” (Our Culture, Our Wealth), the ceremony brought together traditional leaders, government officials, researchers, tourists and cultural enthusiasts from across Zambia and neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo to celebrate one of the country’s most significant traditional events.
SMART Zambia National Coordinator Percy Chinyama graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.
The ceremony crowned a week-long programme of cultural activities that began on July 27, reaffirming the Kaonde people’s rich history as accomplished hunters, farmers and custodians of an enduring cultural legacy.
One of the most profound symbols associated with this year’s celebration was Lutanda Ntondo, a Kaonde expression carrying deep cultural significance. Lutanda refers to a star or guiding light, while Ntondo is linked to traditional rites, thanksgiving and the celebration of first fruits.
Together, the phrase symbolises a shining beacon guiding the Kaonde people as they honour their ancestors, celebrate a successful harvest and strengthen their collective identity.
The Lubiinda Ntongo ceremony itself reflects the historical foundations of the Kaonde community. In the Kaonde language, Lubiinda means hunting while Ntongo refers to the first fruits, commemorating the community’s heritage as skilled communal hunters—often referred to as the “Lion People”—and accomplished agriculturalists who give thanks to God (Lesa) and their ancestors for the season’s harvest.
One of the ceremony’s most revered traditions saw Chief Dr. Mumena ceremonially taste the first fruits and game before members of the community joined in the celebrations.
The ritual symbolises gratitude, continuity and the sacred bond between the people, their land and their ancestors.
The celebrations were further enriched by colourful performances of traditional dances including Katembo, Shonongo and Machancha.
Beyond their vibrant displays, the dances served as living repositories of Kaonde oral history, customs and values, ensuring that cultural knowledge is passed from one generation to another.
Chief Dr. Mumena also blessed and distributed seeds for the forthcoming farming season, underscoring the ceremony’s enduring connection to agriculture, food security and community prosperity.
Although Lubiinda Ntongo has been celebrated in its present form since 1992 under the late Chief Mumena V, Peter Kajoba, the ceremony draws from much older Kaonde traditions.
Historically, separate ceremonies marked initiation into adulthood, the installation of traditional leaders and remembrance of departed family members before these observances were unified into one annual celebration of Kaonde culture.
The ceremony also highlighted the Kaonde people’s historic contribution to Zambia’s mining heritage.
Long before colonial prospectors arrived in the region, Kaonde communities were extracting surface copper ores around Kansanshi.
Skilled local blacksmiths smelted the ore into cross-shaped copper currency bars known as handa or chikwakwa, which served as currency, stores of wealth and bride price, demonstrating sophisticated indigenous metallurgy and commerce.
Historical records indicate that Scottish prospector George Grey was guided to the Kansanshi copper deposits in 1899 by Chief Kapiji Mpanga.
By then, local communities had already known of and worked the copper deposits for generations, illustrating that North-Western Province’s mining history predates colonial exploration.
Today, the province is home to major mining operations such as Kansanshi and Lumwana mines, but the ceremony served as a reminder that beneath the modern industry lies the rich legacy of the Kaonde people who first recognised the value of the region’s mineral wealth.
As the celebrations concluded, the symbolism of Lutanda Ntondo remained unmistakable—a shining star representing guidance, resilience and the enduring brilliance of Kaonde culture.
Through the annual Lubiinda Ntongo ceremony, Chief Dr. Mumena continues to promote a heritage that remains a living source of unity, identity and pride for present and future generations.
Picture: His Royal highness Chief Mumena waives to the crowd.