Lozi

Lozi refers to an ethnic group and to the language of Barotseland. The Lozi people, also known as the Barotse, are concentrated in western Zambia’s Barotseland and have communities in parts of Angola. They are one of the region’s major populations, with a distinct language and cultural traditions.

The Lozi language, or Silozi, is a Bantu language in the Niger-Congo family. It is spoken across Barotseland and widely used in education, media, and daily life, often alongside English and other local languages. The language has its own writing system based on Latin script.

Historically, the Lozi are organized under a monarchic system led by the Litunga, or king, who presides over the Barotse Royal Establishment. The Litunga’s capital alternates seasonally between Lealui and Limulunga. A central cultural event is the Kuomboka, the mass movement of people and court from the flooded plains to higher ground each year.

In modern times, Christianity is common among the Lozi, though many traditional beliefs remain influential, especially in rural areas. The Barotse Royal Establishment continues to play a ceremonial and cultural role, and the Barotseland Agreement of 1964, which sought autonomy within Zambia, was not implemented.

The Lozi contribute to the broader national life of Zambia and Angola, maintaining language and customs while engaging in commerce, agriculture, and governance within their regions.