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In the early days of Barotseland, a fascinating cultural practice known as "Kuluma Fa Njanji," was a widely-held belief that was practiced by many when visiting big town for the first time. "Kuluma Fa Njanji" was a rite of passage. The practice involved being taken to a railway line, where one would bite on the rail while reciting a prayer. This practice was believed to bring good luck and protection from getting lost or falling ill with "Simbakumbaku," a mysterious disease thought to afflict those who didn't follow this custom.
This ritual was often performed with a straight face, but deep down, it was all about teasing the new comer visiting town for the first time and initiating them into urban life. The idea was to make the experience memorable and perhaps a bit embarrassing, but ultimately, it was a lighthearted way to welcome people to the city.
One of the famous prayer a new comer to town was made to say while biting a railway was this; "Wena NJANJI ki na yo mwanaho ya fokola, Nitile mo mwa bukuwa kutoipyanga, nikutoipatela bupilo. Nikatezi ni katezi Bupilo bwa kwa mahae, kuli mane ni likuhu, linja,likaze ni Mangwemba kaufela ha sa nifa likute...Nikupa ku ni fukiseza Moya omunde kuli ni ambuke mangwangwa ba Lusaka ba babaeza MANDAMINO Inge Siteni pangaaa. Unituse kubuluka kapene kaka Koni kasela kaufela kuli ha ni kaya nangu nikone kulekela musalaka NJANJISA, JEAN SOKOLA, mane NI SOFIYA kuli nangu hayonyunga mukulo fa makishi a Sha chipoya".... And so on so on!
In those days, access to information was limited, and myths like 'Kuluma Fa Njanji' were common. But with the advent of technology, including TV, radio, and mobile phones, people in even the remotest villages are now more informed about the world beyond their communities.
Today, 'Kuluma Fa Njanji' remains a nostalgic reminder of Barotseland's cultural heritage. It's a testament to the creativity and humor of our ancestors, who knew how to make the most of any situation.
