Great Zimbabwe's Mambo Chikanda and the Mbira Purge of 1335

from Great Zimbabwe: The Lost African Kingdom of Stone — Fexingo History · host Fexingo

In 1335, Mambo Chikanda of Great Zimbabwe launched a brutal crackdown on mbira players, whom he saw as subversive. This episode explores the sacred and political role of the mbira in vaShona society, the rebellion it sparked, and the lasting cultural impact of Chikanda's decree. We delve into the svikiro spirit mediums, the mhondoro ancestral spirits, and the tension between royal authority and spiritual tradition. Learn how the mbira, far from mere entertainment, was a conduit for Mwari and a voice of the people. #GreatZimbabwe #MamboChikanda #Mbira #vaShona #svikiro #mhondoro #Mwari #spiritMediums #1335 #SouthernAfrica #AfricanHistory #MusicAndPower #OralTradition #CulturalResistance #ZimbabwePlateau #History #FexingoHistory #Podcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jun 30, 2026

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Great Zimbabwe's Mambo Chikanda and the Mbira Purge of 1335

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This episode is 7 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 30, 2026.

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