The management of the Campus dos Malês, in collaboration with Casa de Angola in Bahia, promotes a conference with King Tchongolola Tchongonga Ekuikui VI. The event will take place on November 22, at 9 am, in the auditorium of the Campus dos Malês, in São Francisco do Conde/BA.
With the title “Ancestral Heritage and Traditional Wisdom: The Culture of Mbalundo and Ovimbundu Kingdom”, King Tchongolola Tchongonga Ekuikui VI – King of the Ovimbundu, will take the audience on a journey through the rich culture and history of the Ovimbundu people, the most large ethnic group of Angola. With deep roots in ancestors and the preservation of ancient values, the Mbalundo Kingdom symbolizes a civilization that perpetuates traditions of resistance, wisdom and spirituality.
The conference will address essential themes of Ovimbundu culture, including the community leadership system, practices of respect for ancestors, customary law – which governs justice and social cohesion – and the importance of the oral transmission of knowledge. The speaker will also reflect on the Umbundu language, the linguistic heritage of the Bailundo Kingdom, and its role in the cultural and identity cohesion of the Ovimbundu people.
Furthermore, the class will explore the impact and relevance of Ovimbundu culture in the contemporary context, especially in a scenario of African diaspora and preservation of cultural roots in countries such as Brazil, where Africanness has a great influence. Through a dialogue between tradition and modernity, King Tchongolola Tchongonga will share perspectives on the value of ancestral culture to strengthen the self-esteem and identity of people of African descent around the world.
The master class is a unique opportunity to connect with the roots of the Mbalundo Kingdom and understand how its ancestral practices and traditions are fundamental to the culture and identity of Angola and the African diaspora.
About the speaker
King Ekuikui VI Tchongolola Tchongonga is of Angolan nationality, 37th ruler of the Ovimbundu in the Kingdom of Bailundo, southern Angola, legitimate grandson of the late King Augustus Katchitiopololo, Ekuikui IV, thus being of royal lineage. Graduated in Economic and Legal Sciences, Jurisprudence, Customary Law and Languages in the Republic of Namibia, he was introduced as monarch of the Ovimbundu on 15 July 2021, succeeding his uncle Armindo Francisco Kalupeteka, Ekuikui V.
The Ovimbundu are ethnic Bantu people from Angola and make up 37% of the Angolan population, almost 13 million people, making them the largest ethnic group in the country. Today they occupy the central plateau and coastal strip adjacent to a region that includes the provinces of Huambo, Bié and Benguela, with Umbundu as their official language. The Ovimbundu are one of the peoples who helped build quilombos in Brazil, with 60% of the slaves brought to Brazil coming from Angola.
What are the key themes King Tchongolola Tchongonga Ekuikui VI plans to address at his conference in Brazil?
Interview between Time.news Editor and King Tchongolola Tchongonga Ekuikui VI
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Your Majesty. Thank you for joining us today. It’s an honor to have you here ahead of your upcoming conference at the Campus dos Malês in Brazil. Can you begin by telling us what motivated you to share the deep-rooted culture of the Ovimbundu people with a Brazilian audience?
King Tchongolola Tchongonga Ekuikui VI: Good morning, and thank you for the warm welcome. The motivation stems from a divine duty to ensure that our ancestral heritage is preserved and passed on. The Ovimbundu people have a rich history and culture that I believe holds relevance not just in Angola but globally, especially within the African diaspora. Brazil is a significant part of this diaspora where many of our traditions and values resonate.
Time.news Editor: That is insightful. In your conference, you will explore themes such as community leadership and the importance of respect for ancestors. How does the leadership system within Ovimbundu culture contribute to social cohesion?
King Tchongolola Tchongonga Ekuikui VI: Our community leadership system is designed around respect, wisdom, and collective well-being. Leaders are chosen based on their connection to the community and their understanding of ancestral wisdom. This ensures that decisions are guided by our customs and values, fostering unity and strength. It’s about listening to the elders and recognizing the significance of each individual’s contribution to the greater good.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the custom of respecting ancestors. Could you elaborate on how this practice influences contemporary life, especially in the context of globalization?
King Tchongolola Tchongonga Ekuikui VI: Respecting our ancestors is vital; it grounds us and provides a sense of identity. In a globalized world, where cultures can often feel diluted, adhering to ancestral values serves as an anchor. It helps individuals and communities maintain connection to their roots while navigating modern challenges. This practice is fundamental, especially for those in the diaspora, as it reinforces cultural identity amidst rapid change.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely, and the oral transmission of knowledge is a significant part of your culture. In an age dominated by technology, how do you perceive the role of oral traditions today?
King Tchongolola Tchongonga Ekuikui VI: Oral traditions are not just methods of storytelling; they are vessels of history, morals, and wisdom. While technology offers new ways to share and preserve knowledge, the soul of our culture lies in storytelling, which fosters community bonds and personal connections. It is essential to adapt to modern mediums but with a commitment to ensure that the essence of our traditions remains intact.
Time.news Editor: That’s a profound perspective. Alongside these discussions, you will also touch on the relevance of the Umbundu language. How does language serve as a pillar of cultural and identity cohesion for the Ovimbundu people?
King Tchongolola Tchongonga Ekuikui VI: Language is the cornerstone of our culture. It carries our history, traditions, and values. The Umbundu language encapsulates the thoughts and philosophies of our ancestors. When we speak our language, we invoke our heritage; it allows for a deeper understanding of our identity. In a world where many indigenous languages are at risk, it is imperative for us to revive and promote languages like Umbundu for the sustainability of our culture.
Time.news Editor: Indeed. Your insights are invaluable for fostering understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage. As your conference approaches, what message do you wish to impart to your audience?
King Tchongolola Tchongonga Ekuikui VI: I hope to inspire a sense of pride in our shared African heritage and the importance of preserving it. We must remember that traditions are not static; they evolve while still reflecting core values. I invite everyone to join me on this journey of rediscovery—celebrating our ancestors while forging a path forward together in unity.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Your Majesty, for sharing your wisdom and insights with us today. We look forward to your conference and the enlightening discussion on the Ovimbundu culture.
King Tchongolola Tchongonga Ekuikui VI: Thank you for having me. I look forward to engaging with everyone at the conference.