THE MBANDO

The Mbando was created by our ancestors a long time ago as a place where the villagers or designated elders could come to call unto "The gods" for guidance and support in times of crises such as: famine, war, diseases and unexplained deaths, and even in joyous occasions such as the "wesuwa"(wrestling), the "male"(elelphant dance) "the liwangi la fako (mountain race). It is generally located in a strategic area of the village, but does not neccessarily look like a shrine, thus one may pass by and not even notice.

In Buea Town For instance, the Mbando which serves its environs as well, is located at the "yombomba tree" (not sure of its name in English) in "Wonya-emongo", just south of the wrestling field.

This is a very simple explanation intended to create awareness regarding the significance of the Mbando. Mola Mbua Ndoko, should be able to fill in any gaps.

It is no doubt FECA Minnesota has always used the Mbando song to grace the occasion on the cultural night of the FA Convention.

THE SONG
Evonda ya Kowa-a-a (In the days of Old)
Wa tate na wa Iye wa ma we e-e- (our mothers and fathers)
Si wa Gbea eh mbando (created the Mbando)
Eh nge mbando nd'emongea e-e-kome y'a-ase (it is the Mbando protected the entire clan)
E-e vonda Njuma, N'evonda maloko eh! (in times of war, and during festivities)
Wambaki na w'asali e-e- w'asangane eh! (the elders and even the children came together)
Si wa somelele, si wa kane, si wa wele Lowa la welimo (they poured libations and they prayed, and called unto the Gods of our ancestors)
Welimo! welimo e-e- yongwane wato w'anyu (our ancestors please help thy chidren)
E mbando eh! eh Mbando eh ! Eh mbando Eh! Eh Mbando Lio! lio! lio! lio!

THE LIBATION SONG

E vonda wa Tate wa kowa wa ma we (In the days of our fore-fathers)
Wa somelele te wa wowa ndi maliwa (they poured the libation using water)
Si wa welel na Tat'iwonde O mwanyu (they called unto God most high)
Si wa wele na welimo O monye (And called unto our ancestors here below)
Suwele suwelele na Lowa O mwanyu (Peace unto God most high)
Suwelele le na welimo O monye (peace to our ancestors here below)

In both instances, "welimo" refers to our ancestors, not the evil one.

Comments

[Mengolo mea Likenya]

To the best of my knowledge, "The Yomboba" down at Wonya-Mongo was cut down by a flight by night born-again, if not idiotic fellow. He was run out of Gbea if my memory serves me right. Furthermore, The Yomboba at Wonya-Mongo held a special place in the hearts of many as a place where some of our people were hung in the early colonial times and not as a Mbando site. The Womba tree at the wrestling field and an area down at Njia-Wopwai were Kuwa Likenya or the brother Endeley a'Likenya is buried are the Mbando sites.

Mengolo mea Likenya

[Emil Mondoa]

The date of the post is at the bottom of each article.

[John Mbando]

Hie,

I was trying to search my second name on google and it was interesting to be connected to this site discovering the meaning of my name which is Mbando.

Thanks

John

[Wana Njie Litumbe Jr.]

I also stumbled on the site by chance. I have forwarded it to the rest of our members in our chapter. Let's all pass on the word, and continue to revisit and make contributions to promote our people and culture. "Bakwerirama",well done...suwelele!!!

[ngowo eta-besong]

hi all it is a pleasure to get on this site
will like to be informed of any problems concerning customary barriers towards women's rights to own land amongst the bakweri people