Voices
Many makishi speak, sing, or produce some other type of vocalization. For the spirit manifestation to be successful, each of these ancestors must utilize a specific, unique vocal timbre. Properly doing so will allow for its correct identification. In this way, the encultured can recognize a spirit before it is even visible. Although this ancestral theatre involves improvisatory interactions between the makishi, other performers, and onlookers, each vocalizing spirit is expected to say things (in the appropriate manner) that align with its characteristic personality. Below is a small sampling of short video and audio clips of various vocalizing makishi. I also include some common words the encultured use to describe these voices. For further commentary on the voices of ancestors, check CHAPTER of my dissertation.
Chahwa
July 21, 2019 in Cazombo, Angola;
original audio stored in ZNBC audio-visual archives
November 18, 2021 in Chavuma, Zambia;
for higher quality video, download from “Videos of Luvale (and Related) Sonic Culture” link;
original video stored in ZNBC audio-visual archives
Chikuza
yakuhanjikila mujimo (he speaks from the stomach); lizu lyamukuluntu (elderly voice); kukanguka chikuma (very dried out/tight/carrying/loud); kulikuwa (scream); yayindende na mwishi (small and low/down/quiet); lizu lyakusweka (hidden voice); similar to Kalelwa
August 8, 2019 in Cazombo, Angola;
for higher quality video, download from “Videos of Luvale (and Related) Sonic Culture” link;
original video stored in ZNBC audio-visual archives
August 22, 2019 in Zambezi, Zambia;
for higher quality video, download from “Videos of Luvale (and Related) Sonic Culture” link;
original video stored in ZNBC audio-visual archives
Chileya (cha Mukanda)
lizu lya kunjonjoma (hoarse voice); lizu lyakupalata (stuck voice); lizu lyalipi (bad voice); rough; similar to Sakashivi, Samakota, and Ndondo
June 29, 2019 in Lusaka, Zambia;
for higher quality video, download from “Videos of Luvale (and Related) Sonic Culture” link;
original video stored in ZNBC audio-visual archives
July 21, 2019 in Cazombo, Angola;
original audio stored in ZNBC audio-visual archives
Kalelwa
kulikuwa (scream); kutenuka (angry); katenda (shrill/loud); lizu lya helu (high/carrying voice); lizu lyakutaluka (well-built/tall/large voice); kukanguka (dried out/tight/carrying/loud); lizu lyakusweka (hidden voice); similar to Chikeza, Chikuza, Kambulu, and Kamutonga
August 21, 2019 in Zambezi, Zambia;
for higher quality video, download from “Videos of Luvale (and Related) Sonic Culture” link;
original video stored in ZNBC audio-visual archives
July 22, 2022 in Kabompo, Zambia;
for higher quality video, download from “Videos of Luvale (and Related) Sonic Culture” link;
original video stored in ZNBC audio-visual archives
Kanjenjela
Kanjenjela in procession at the Luvale New Years bash;
December 31, 2021 in Lusaka, Zambia;
for higher quality video, download from “Videos of Luvale (and Related) Sonic Culture” link;
original video stored in ZNBC audio-visual archives
Kapalu
Kapalu reciting mujimbu at Likumbi Lya Mize;
August 22, 2019 in Mize, Zambia;
for higher quality video, download from “Videos of Luvale (and Related) Sonic Culture” link;
original video stored in ZNBC audio-visual archives
Mupala
lizu lyakukumwina (groaning/grunting voice); kulikemenena (groan/grunt within oneself); nge uze muthu nahono (like that person who lacks strength); wazeye chikuma (you are very tired); nge wambate chize chachilemu (like you are carrying that heavy [thing]); the tongue is tied up; lizu lyakusweka (hidden voice); lizu lya mukemo (voice of groaning/grunting); kuhanjika na mikemo (to speak with groans/grunts)
July 27, 2022 in Kabompo, Zambia;
for higher quality video, download from “Videos of Luvale (and Related) Sonic Culture” link;
original video stored in ZNBC audio-visual archives
January 5, 2022 in Lusaka, Zambia and July 11, 2022 in Zambezi, Zambia (respectively)
Sakashivi
wakutenuka (of anger); lizu lyakutavunuka (strong); lizu lya kunjonjoma (hoarse voice); it doesn’t sound well; similar to Chileya, Ndondo, and Shaukolo
November 9, 2021 in Chinyingi, Zambia;
original audio stored in ZNBC audio-visual archives
November 18, 2021 in Chavuma, Zambia;
for higher quality video, download from “Videos of Luvale (and Related) Sonic Culture” link;
original video stored in ZNBC audio-visual archives
June 5, 2022 in Chimbangala, Zambia;
for higher quality video, download from “Videos of Luvale (and Related) Sonic Culture” link;
original video stored in ZNBC audio-visual archives
Utenu
hakachikachi (medium); lizu lya kunjonjoma chindende (a slightly hoarse voice); mwishi (down/quiet/low); lizu lyalineneko chindende (a slightly big voice); kalikuwakoko (not a scream); too sharp
August 24, 2019 in Mize, Zambia;
for higher quality video, download from “Videos of Luvale (and Related) Sonic Culture” link;
original audio stored in ZNBC audio-visual archives
December 31, 2021 in Lusaka, Zambia;
for higher quality video, download from “Videos of Luvale (and Related) Sonic Culture” link;
original audio stored in ZNBC audio-visual archives