Before Lusaka: A Brief History of the Soli and Lenje Peoples

Long before Lusaka became Zambia’s bustling capital, it was home to vibrant, deeply rooted communities whose histories and traditions continue to shape the cultural fabric of the region. The original inhabitants of this central plateau—now transformed by highways, shopping malls, and government buildings—were the Soli and Lenje peoples. Their presence in the Lusaka area predates the modern city by centuries, with historical records tracing their settlement back to the 17th or 18th century.

The Soli People

The Soli are among the oldest known inhabitants of what is now Lusaka. Descendants of the great Luba Kingdom in present-day Democratic Republic of Congo, they migrated along the Luapula River during the Bantu expansion and settled primarily in the southern parts of the Lusaka province.

Traditional Soli life is anchored in subsistence farming, with communities cultivating crops and keeping livestock. Their spiritual and cultural life is marked by strong ancestral reverence, most prominently expressed in the Chakwela Makumbi ceremony. Held annually in October in Chongwe, this rainmaking ritual—literally translated as “pulling down the clouds”—calls upon ancestral spirits for fertile soils and a fruitful harvest. Led by Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II, this event draws thousands, reflecting the resilience and enduring relevance of Soli traditions.

The Soli are also known for their vibrant crafts, particularly basket weaving and pottery, and share the cibitiko dance with the Lenje. Their language, Soli, is a Bantu language from the Botatwe group and continues to be actively spoken by thousands, preserving oral traditions and cultural knowledge.

The Lenje People

To the north of Lusaka’s modern-day sprawl, the Lenje people carved out their settlements. Their origins, possibly traced to migrations from the Cameroon region and the Luba-Lunda kingdoms, gave them deep roots in Central Province and the Lusaka area.

Like the Soli, the Lenje rely heavily on agriculture, but they also engage in charcoal production, livestock rearing, and fishing, especially near the Lukanga Swamp. The Lenje are organised into patrilineal clans, with a central governance structure led by Senior Chief Mukuni Ng’ombe and seven subordinate chiefs.

Their most iconic cultural expression is the Mooba dance, a powerful ritual associated with spirit possession and healing. Performed during key events like the Kulamba Kubwalo ceremony which is held annually in Chibombo District and serves to honour traditional leadership and celebrate community cohesion.

The Lenje language, closely related to Soli, is actively spoken and used in cultural events, reinforcing communal bonds and preserving ancestral legacies.

Cultural Parallels and Differences

Despite their unique identities, the Soli and Lenje share many cultural threads. Both speak languages from the Botatwe Bantu group, practice subsistence agriculture, and hold rain and harvest ceremonies. They also maintain traditional governance systems and celebrate their heritage through music, dance, and ritual.

However, distinctions are evident. The Lenje exhibit a more formalised social hierarchy based on clans and patrilineal lineage, while the Soli’s leadership history is less centralised, with a notable emphasis on female leadership, especially through the chieftainess role. The Lenje have elaborate marriage customs, including lobola and initiation ceremonies for girls, while documentation on Soli marriage practices remains limited.

From Past to Present: Preserving Lusaka’s Cultural Roots

Today, Lusaka’s skyline rises above the ancestral lands of the Soli and Lenje. While urbanisation and modernisation continue apace, traditional ceremonies like Chakwela Makumbi and Kulamba Kubwalo remain vital cultural fixtures. They not only preserve spiritual beliefs but also serve as platforms for cultural education, national identity, and social unity.

These living traditions offer a counterpoint to the city's rapid development, reminding us that Lusaka’s history did not begin with colonial planning or post-independence infrastructure. It began with the Soli and Lenje, who sowed the seeds of community, culture, and connection on this land centuries ago.

Understanding and celebrating these indigenous roots ensures that Lusaka’s future remains informed by the richness of its past. Let us honour the legacy of those who lived here long before Lusaka was Lusaka.