—The Likumbi Lya Mize Western Province Mongu group is more a collection of dedicated cultural custodians rather than a professional performance troupe who performs for money outside of ritual settings. As opposed to the other groups featured in this site, this group was not created nor is it maintained by an individual leader. Instead, they gather informally and take charge whenever there is a cultural event in Mongu or nearby areas. Though they only took on the name “Likumbi Lya Mize Western Province Mongu group” once we started working together, these men have been serving their culture together under the Likumbi Lya Mize Cultural Association (Western branch) for years.

—The elder of the group is Douglas Mwila. He was born in Kaoma on April 15, 1956 to two Luvale parents. He migrated to Mongu in 1963. In 1966 he graduated from mukanda (traditiona male initiation school) in a predominately Lozi area. Mwila bounced between Kaoma and Mongu for the remainder of his childhood. After finishing his education, he joined the army. This employment brought him to Kafue where he lived for eighteen years. His stint with the army also relocated him to Chipata, Katete, and Mufulira. The highlight of his time in the armed forces was opening the Kashokoto Luena Barracks in 1974. Mwila eventually grew tired of the constant moving so he left the army. He moved to Chavuma to stay with his uncle before finally settling back in Mongu. There he worked with the Ministry of Education before eventually retiring. He is now a major figure in Luvale culture in the Western Province. He is especially renowned for his singing and ability to pull out deep Luvale and Mbunda songs.

—Kashewa Kapalu was born on October 24, 1972 in Mongu. Both of his parents are of Luvale and Mbunda heritage. He attended mukanda in Kalabo before eventually moving to Mongu with his father in 1982. Though he is a skilled drummer, Kashewa is known for his exceptional carving abilities.

—Chihungwa Kapalu was born on March 11, 1975 in Kalabo. He is the younger brother of Kashewa Kapalu. Chihungwa attended mukanda in Kalabo before moving to Mongu in 1982. Chihungwa is a skilled musician and visual artist.

—Chinyama Kasanga was born on March 8, 1983 in the Nausngano village of Mongu. His mother is a Luvale from Zambezi while his father is a Luchazi from Angola. He attended mukanda in Mongu. Chinyama is extremely knowledgeable about many facets of Luvale culture.

—Kasanga Nsamba was born on November 10, 1991 in Mongu. His father is of Luchazi and Lunda heritage while his mother is a mix of Mbunda and Nkhangala. He attended mukanda in 2000 where his love for drums began. Since then, he has grown into an incredibly talented and in-demand musician – especially on the lead shina drum. Starting in 2012, he often drums for the Yuka Cultural Centre. Kasanga had a brief stint drumming in the Likumbi Lya Mize Chibolya group from 2013-2015.

—Musole Chipango was born in 1994 in Kalabo to two Mbunda parents. In 2000 he attended mukanda in the village of Ndoka where his father resided. He has since blossomed into a promising and powerful young drummer.

—If you would like to book or help support the Likumbi Lya Mize Western Province Mongu group, please contact Jason Winikoff using the button in the footer of this page or through the contact page.