Unveiling 23/08/2025 - HONOURING THE KING OF THE MARAVI (MALAWI): THE LEGACY OF KALONGA SOSOLA VIII.

HONOURING THE KING OF THE MARAVI (MALAWI): THE LEGACY OF KALONGA SOSOLA VIII. By Ali Gunde On *23 August 2025, history and culture converged at **Mankhamba in Dedza district of Malawi, the historic headquarters of the Maravi (Malawi) Kingdom, where a tombstone was unveiled in honour of **Kalonga Sosola VIII*, the King of the Maravi (Malawi) kingdom who was slain by the Yao in 1863. The Maravi Kingdom, which comprised distinct but closely related peoples such as the Nyanja, Mang’anja, Chewa, Mbo, Ntumba, Nsenga etc was for centuries a powerful political and cultural force in Southern Africa. Mankhamba served as its heartbeat, the royal seat of the Kalonga (king). The commemorative event was organised by a cultural organisation called *Chifukwato Cha Achewa*. The day was graced by Senior Chief Dr. Kaomba, Chief Sosola, and other traditional leaders from the Chewa people among others. The President of the Republic of Malawi Dr Lazarus Chakwera, represented by his Advisor Mr. Chivunde, contributed MK 2 million towards the ceremony, underlining its national significance. The proceedings began with an introduction to Chewa traditions, followed by a solemn procession to the burial site of Kalonga Sosola VIII. With songs, sacred drinks, flour, alcohol, and water, the gathering performed nsembe (libation), evoking ancestral spirits through song and dance. Delivering the keynote address before the libation, Kamunkhwala Conleith Selenje the Executive Director of Lost History Foundation outlined three purposes of the ritual: 1. To honour the spirit of Kalonga Sosola VIII as a king and unifier of the Maravi peoples. 2. To call upon his spirit to grant wisdom to chiefs, leaders, and citizens of Malawi. 3. To seek his guidance for peace and harmony during this election period. The libation (nsembe) was led by a high priest Kambani from Dowa, accompanied by members of Chipembedzo Cha Makolo a chikuda (African Spirituality) poured flour and water on the tomb. Traditional leaders and family members also participated in this act of remembrance, touching the tombstone and spreading flour upon it. In his speech, Chief Sosola who has immediately assumed the title Kalonga Sosola IX stressed the need for unity among the Chewa and across all Malawian tribes, lamenting unnecessary quarrels and disputes. The event concluded with vibrant displays of culture— Gule Wamkulu, Chisamba, and traditional singing—at Mankhamba LEA School grounds, reminding all in attendance that the spirit of the Maravi Kingdom continues to live on in its traditions, its unity, and its people.