Nyaminyami

Nyaminyami is a prominent river spirit believed by the Goba people of the Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe and Zambia, to inhabit the Zambezi River. The name Nyaminyami is often translated as "the great river god" or "the great fish." Stories describe Nyaminyami as a being with the head of a fish and the body of a snake, possessing immense power over the river's waters, its creatures, and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.

According to local folklore, Nyaminyami was responsible for the flow of the Zambezi, controlling its floods and ensuring the fertility of the surrounding lands through its waters. It was also believed to be the guardian of the river's fish, protecting them and ensuring their abundance for the local communities. Offerings and rituals were traditionally performed to appease Nyaminyami and seek its favor, particularly before fishing expeditions or during times of drought or excessive flooding.

The construction of the Kariba Dam in the late 1950s significantly impacted the beliefs surrounding Nyaminyami. Many Goba people believed that the dam was built against Nyaminyami's will and that the spirit was angered by this disruption. There are stories of the river spirit attempting to destroy the dam during its construction, and some attribute the difficulties and tragic events that occurred during the dam's building to Nyaminyami's displeasure. Despite the dam, the legend of Nyaminyami persists as a powerful cultural symbol of the Zambezi River and its enduring spirit.