Chama District with the headquarters at Chama is the largest district of the Eastern Province in Zambia and includes a large wilderness in the Upper Luangwa valley just north-east of the North Luangwa National Park.The District - Chama Town Council It is made up of two constituencies, namely Chama North and Chama South.
Much of the population of Chama District lives close to the border with Malawi and shares tribal and cultural links with the people of the northern highlands of that country. The people of Chama belong mostly to the Tumbuka and Senga tribes which resulted as a result of intermarriage with the Tumbuka people three centuries ago. Chitumbuka is the predominant language spoken in the district.
Chama District developed from the Chamanyavyose chiefdom of the Tumbuka, established around 1470 in the Luangwa Valley. The area later experienced a major political shift around in 1780 with the arrival of Bisa-speaking groups who were later known as the Senga after they mixed with the indigenous Tumbukas, who established new chiefdom structures in parts of the region. Chama was formally separated from Lundazi District in 1967 to become an independent district in Zambia.
As of the 2022 Zambian Census, the district had a population of 140,326 people.2022 Census of Population and Housing - Preliminary Report (PDF)
History Etymology of the name Chama
The name Chama originate from the Tumbuka chiefdom of Chief Chamanyavyose, who ruled the area prior to the establishment of Senga political authority. The longer name “Chamanyavyose” was gradually shortened in everyday speech to “Chama,” a term that later became associated with the chiefdom and ultimately gave its name to the present-day district. The name reflects the region’s early political geography and its association with pre-colonial Tumbuka leadership. Early Tumbuka settlement in the Luangwa Valley
The earliest inhabitants of the area that is now Chama District were the Tumbuka people, who established settlements under the authority of Chief Chamanyavyose. These communities developed local political, social, and economic systems that governed life in the Luangwa Valley prior to the arrival of later migrant groups. The Tumbuka chiefdom of Chamanyavyose represented the dominant political structure in the region before external migration and settlement changes occurred. During the late eighteenth century, groups of Bisa migrants associated with the Mwata Yamvo Empire moved into the region and settled among the indigenous Tumbuka communities. The newcomers did not engage in large-scale warfare with the Tumbuka but gradually established their influence within the chiefdom. Over time, the Bisa came to be known locally as the Senga, and several Senga chiefdoms emerged within the territory that had previously been under the authority of Chief Chamanyavyose. As a result, political leadership in parts of the district shifted from Tumbuka rulers to Senga chiefs, who have continued to exercise traditional authority since the late eighteenth century. Despite these changes in leadership, relations between the Tumbuka and Senga have generally remained peaceful, and traditional rulers have continued to receive respect from both communities. The settlement of the Senga among the Tumbuka brought about cultural interaction. Since many of the migrants arrived with relatively few women, they intermarried extensively with local Tumbuka families. These marriages strengthened social ties between the two groups and contributed to the gradual adoption of Tumbuka cultural practices by the Senga. Over time, the Senga also adopted much of the local language and customs, while retaining elements of their own heritage. Their original language, Chi-Bisa, which is closely related to Chi-Bemba, declined in everyday use as cultural integration increased. The result was the emergence of a society in which Tumbuka and Senga traditions became closely intertwined.
Chamanyavyose Chiefdom before the arrival of the Bisa (c. 1470–1780)
Origin of the Chamanyavyose Kingdom The Chamanyavyose chiefdom traces its origin to Nyanjagha Chamanyavyose, also known as “Chama,” a son of M’nyanjagha Longwe of the early Tumbuka royal lineage. Chamanyavyose was separated from his father before Longwe fully assumed the position of First M’nyanjagha of the wider Tumbuka political system. The separation is described as being motivated both by internal family conflict, particularly concerns over the treatment of his mother and by a search for new territory suitable for settlement. Chamanyavyose therefore left the royal centre at Kacheche with his mother and a group of supporters drawn from his clan. Chamanyavyose is described as a subordinate ruler (sub-king) under M’nyanjagha Longwe within the early Tumbuka political system. He is regarded as one of the earliest established leaders in the area corresponding to present-day Chama District, occupying the region long before the arrival of the Bisa (Senga) migrants in the late eighteenth century. On this basis, some interpretations suggest that the historical name of the district could more accurately be rendered as “Chamanyavyose District,” reflecting its pre-Senga political identity, although the current official name remains Chama District.
Founding of the Chamanyavyose Chiefdom
Origins and early identity of Chamanyavyose The founding of the Chamanyavyose Chiefdom is traced to Nyanjagha Chamanyavyose, also known as “Chama,” a son of M’nyanjagha Longwe of the early Tumbuka royal lineage. He is described as having separated from his father before Longwe fully consolidated his position as First M’nyanjagha of the broader Tumbuka political system. Chamanyavyose is said to have left the royal centre at Kacheche with his mother and a group of supporters, motivated by internal family conflict and a desire to establish an independent settlement. The group migrated westwards across mountainous terrain and at the end reached the Nyika Plateau before descending into the Luangwa Valley. The migration marked the beginning of the establishment of a distinct political formation under Chamanyavyose leadership in the valley region.
Early movements and settlement formation After entering the Luangwa Valley, Chamanyavyose and his followers undertook further movements northwards into the area of Kamphumbu in present-day northern Zambia. In this region, some members of the group interacted with local leadership under Chief Katyetye. However, the group later abandoned Kamphumbu and returned to the Luangwa Valley, where they re-established their settlement permanently. The group included several clan leaders such as Mungwalala, Mungulube, Ntchuka, Chikontha, Chizembe, and Chilumanga. According to tradition, none of these groups settled west of the Luangwa River; instead, all established settlements on its eastern side. Following the crossing of the Luangwa River, different clan divisions established distinct settlement areas. The Chikontha division of the Nyimbili (Kubona) clan settled in a fertile northern valley rich in wildlife resources, forming the northernmost extent of the chiefdom. Other groups settled in the middle Luwumbu River valley, including the area known today as Sitwe, while the Ntchuka group of the Chilembo clan settled in the upper Luwumbu River region. The Chikontha and Ntchuka subchiefdoms later shared a boundary at Mphemba in present-day Muyombe.
The Kalinkhu River name and southern migration During a subsequent phase of movement, Chamanyavyose and his group travelled southwards along a route parallel to the eastern mountains. After several days, they reached a river where they temporarily settled. Hunting activities formed part of their subsistence during this period. Oral tradition records an incident involving a dove captured by hunters and placed in a cage overnight. Despite attempts to prevent its escape, the bird fled during the night. The following morning, the group conducted a search along a nearby stream, repeatedly asking, “Where is the bird?” (Kalinkhu kayuni? in Tumbuka language). After the bird disappeared into reeds along the riverbank, the stream was thereafter named Kalinkhu River, meaning “where is it?” The event was interpreted as an ill omen, prompting the group to abandon the area and continue their migration southwards in search of a more suitable settlement location.
Establishment at Kamphemba (Kapemba) and territorial expansion The group eventually settled at Kamphemba River (believed to be a corruption of Kapemba), where they established a permanent base on its upper reaches. The location was selected due to its reliable water sources and fertile soils. Chamanyavyose established his headquarters at this site and governed the wider chiefdom from there. At its peak, the chiefdom’s territorial influence extended westwards to the Luangwa River, eastwards toward neighbouring polities, and southwards as far as Luambe. Its influence also extended toward Mphamba, an area now within present-day Lundazi District. The Portuguese expedition to the Lunda King Kazembe in the Luapula Valley under Dr de Lacerda in 1798 also recorded the presence of Tumbuka communities east of the Luangwa River at Luambe. Political authority and royal institutions Chamanyavyose is remembered in oral tradition as a fair and authoritative leader, as well as an accomplished hunter of large game, particularly elephants. His praise name is recorded as Botawota Nyanjagha Musolomoka kuchanya Chibinimbi thepwele kavula mpande wanangwa ntha wovula, interpreted as a metaphorical expression of leadership authority and sacred kingship. The symbolism of “dropping from heaven” is associated with his difficult migration across mountainous terrain before settling in the Luangwa Valley. His royal seat was described as an elevated structure approximately two metres above the ground, supported by Mubanga wood poles and crowned with elephant tusks. Two attendants were stationed beneath the structure, seated in opposite directions. The throne functioned as a sacred royal chamber (Gongwe). Subjects approaching the chief were required to kneel at a distance, and even those passing nearby were expected to show respect in a similar manner. Chamanyavyose’s regalia included a leopard-skin crown and a ceremonial staff. Direct communication with the chief was not permitted; instead, interaction occurred through appointed officials such as the Prime Minister (Kazembe) and senior advisor (Yinthini).
Political organisation and expansion of the chiefdom (c. 1470–1500)