Nyemba

Origin: Nyemba

Though this item of repertoire likely has a different name among those it is believed to have originated with, “Nyemba” is the word most used by practitioners in Zambia. This dance is usually for makishi of Luchazi, Mbunda, Nkhangala, Nyemba, and Vimbundu origin. It is relatively rare in Chokwe and Luvale communities though always a crowd-pleaser whenever performed.

Other colloquially used names include “Kambinda” and “Tyengu,” the names of makishi most likely to perform this dance in Luvale communities. Nyemba is the primary dance for spirits of horned animals from the bush, most of whom are prey. As such, many makishi will carry grass in their hands or mouth when performing. Most spirits in this class wear mizombila (long bark-cloth skirts), and some additionally wear jizombo (short bark-cloth skirts). This is not a dance for humans.

The characteristic dance for Nyemba involves the alternation of two moves: rolling hands at waist height and bringing hands up to the shoulders. Though the accompanying music uses a common timeline/mikakaji phrase, the three supporting drum patterns are not in any other dance from this repertoire. Furthermore, Nyemba often features low support drum phrases that are longer than one timeline cycle – a rarity in this culture.

Instrumentation

• Lead drum: ngoma ya shina
• Supporting drums: ngoma yahakachi, ngoma yakusongo, ngoma yakasumbi
• Timeline: mikakaji