Parading down the path to the royal chamber, Nkosi Madoda is celebrating his victory over the white men who came on their ships from across the ocean. The Nkosi’s praise-singer glorifies the returning chief with exaltations. As the entourage walk down the gravel path they are heralded by the village’s respected figures: noblemen, dignitaries and elders. Women and men dance in the golden sun of the late afternoon.
As the Nkosi walks between the villagers, women jump, young maidens dance and mellow drunks stomp out a rhythm, all celebrating the Nkosi’s victorious return. The theatrical antics are not unusual for Zulus, who pride themselves on their poetry and humour. The Nkosi admires the dancing, and the young men in mock combat.
He sits on his throne; on each side are his generals, Mmeli (the Steadfast) and Manqoba (the Conqueror).
The women ululate and the men cheer. The Nkosi’s counsellor, Ndaba kaPhinga (the Man of Affairs), halts the jubilation by raising his hand. The crowd quietens down but the happiness and joy is still evident in their eyes.
As the Ndaba kaPhinga starts to speak he is interrupted by Magigithela (he who chuckles), the village entertainer.
“Mina ngifuna ukugidela iNkosi (I want to dance for the Chief),” he laughs, but the counsellor isn’t amused.
“Silence him. He has no sense of timing,” argues Ndaba kaPhinga, who is a rigid man. He doesn’t like any improvisations. The Nkosi and the people don’t mind the clowning. Ndaba kaPhinga embarks on a long speech that bores the crowd, but before the end he starts talking about what ignites their interest: the great battle.
“… now the Nkosi stood firm and destroyed the white men’s camp. The Sun-dwellers, who came from across the sea, were defeated and the Nkosi brought back their guns. The Nkosi has put them in the royal dispensary for safe-keeping. But let me not take the words out of the Nkosi’s mouth. Everybody rise up and give a resounding cheer for the Nkosi!”
The crowd roars and the sound echoes from the village, across the valley, louder than any bellowing cattle. The Nkosi rises up from the throne, stern and proud. His eyes brim with glory. His attire is a leopard skin, sign of royalty, plus magnificent leg and arm-bands. In his right hand he clutches a beautifully carved iklwa (assegai) with a gala (battle club). In his left hand is a man-sized, cattle-hide ihawu (shield).
The Nkosi walks to the middle of the crowd to deliver his speech. Ndaba kaPhinga steps to the side, letting the Nkosi take his place. His eyes are cast down, not meeting those of the Nkosi’s. If he looks into those royal eyes it is a sign of disrespect and competition. The Nkosi smiles at Ndaba kaPhinga, and at the people, as he starts his speech.
***
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