An Introduction to Malawi’s Chewa People

Originally, the Chewa migrated from Nigeria and Cameroon and settled in Zaire (today’s Democratic Republic of Congo) before coming to Malawi and Zambia in the 15th century. In Malawi, Chewa people settled in the districts of Dedza, Kasungu, Dowa, Salima, Nkhotakota, Ntcheu, Mchinji, and Lilongwe in the central region of Malawi. Chewa people differ from other ethnic groups of Malawi based on language and places of settlement.

Chewa people speak Bantu, which in Malawi is locally described as ‘Chichewa’. Chichewa is the country’s national language, which is predominantly used for communication in the media and education system among other platforms. Although other tribes, such as the Tumbuka, argue as to why Chichewa is nationalised, the language is still considered the official language of the people of Malawi.

The Chewa are highly respected among other ethnic groups because they are perceived be people who know magic charms and use its powers to destroy the opposition. Their famous dance, Gule wamkulu, or ‘Nyau’, has been described as a ‘cult’, or secret society full of magic powers. The masked men of Gule wamkulu are considered to be ‘Zirombo’ (animals or spirits) and are greatly feared. The masks portray dogs, crocodiles, lions, or ancestral spirits, and are worn in graveyards or river streams far from the community. The masked men have names like Chazunda and Ng’ona (Crocodile). Kang’wingwi, another name, is well known for putting human faeces around his mouth and attracts flies wherever he goes. For one to belong to this secret society, they have to be initiated. Whenever people hear Gule wamkulu coming, they hide, or kneel and put money on the ground. Gule wamkulu is also regarded as a religious group and come out during presidential rallies, when a chief of the village calls for a festival, or when one of their members dies.

Chewa people are the believers of the god who they call ‘Chiuta’. The Chewa believes that they get in contact with the god who created all things through the spirits of their ancestors and the spirits of living animals. They believe Chiuta created all things on Kapirintiwa Mountain, located along the borders of Malawi and Mozambique. The Chewa also believe in immortality by upholding the faith that their departed ancestors still exist after death.

Among the Chewa people, there are two predominant clans named the Phiri and the Banda. The former is well known for upholding kingship, while the latter are mainly associated with mystics and healings. Some Chewa people live in a traditional village made up of about 50 huts. Mostly, a village is made up of families that are somehow related by blood or marriage. Each village has a chief who rules over it.

The Chewa grow maize, vegetables, tobacco, millet, and nuts for food and for sales. They usually have fields away from the village where they plant a variety of crops. They also earn a living by fishing.

The king of Chewa people in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia is Kalonga Gawa Undi. Every year in August, Chewa people from Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique celebrate the Kulamba ceremony at their headquarters in Katete district in Zambia.

When a couple decide to marry, the man reports the matter to his ‘Mwini Mbumba’, or uncle, or a ‘nkhoswe’ (the head of the family). The uncle meets the bride-to-be’s uncle and discuss the marriage. Mainly, it involves the uncle of the man giving the woman’s uncle money, clothes or any valuables known as ‘Chikole’. Thereafter the deal is sealed.