Bemba

Bemba refers to a Bantu-speaking ethnic group native to Central Africa. The Bemba primarily live in northern, central, and eastern Zambia, with sizable communities in the Copperbelt and Lusaka regions, and also in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are one of the largest ethnic groups in Zambia and play a significant role in the country’s social, economic, and political life.

The Bemba language, also known as chiBemba, is a Bantu language in the Niger-Congo family. It is spoken as a first or second language by the Bemba and widely used as a lingua franca in much of Zambia. It features noun classes common to Bantu languages and a largely subject–verb–object word order, with several regional dialects that vary in pronunciation and vocabulary.

Traditional Bemba society was organized into chiefdoms under a system led by senior chiefs, with the Chitimukulu serving as the paramount ruler in many areas. The history includes migrations and interactions with neighboring groups, including the Ngoni in the 19th century, which influenced local power structures and trade. The Bemba have contributed to regional commerce, agriculture, and, in modern times, national politics.

Cultural practices include rites of passage, clan networks, and customary ceremonies. With widespread Christianization and modernization, many Bemba also maintain traditional beliefs. In the contemporary era, the Bemba language and culture are prominent in media, education, and urban communities in Zambia, as well as in diaspora populations.