THE NORTHERN NGUNI KINGS.

 THE GREAT LIONS.

Inkhosis Zulu Gama(from Songea, Tanzania),Mbelwa IV and Gomani V(both from Malawi) walking majestically, clad in traditional Ngoni regalia;Ingwenyama, Inkhosi yama nkosi Mpezeni IV kaZwangendaba Jele of Zambia missed out on this historical picture!

It is quite interesting to note that,Zulu Gama,although now being revered and lionized in the same measure as the other Ngoni paramount chiefs was NEVER of royal Ngoni blood.He was like Chiwele Ndhlovu, a trusted general of Zwangendaba.

Indeed his allegiance to Zwangendaba was unquestionable,for even after the death of the great Ngoni warlord,Zulu Gama forbade his followers from according him the 'bayette' salutation, arguing that it was a tribute for ONLY Zwangendaba's successor.

There is no doubt that had Zwangendaba's two brothers (Mgai and Nthabeni) plus the chief's eldest sons (Mtwalo,Mperembe,Mbelwa and Mpezeni) managed to amicably resolve their succession wrangles, Zulu Gama could have not gone on a long arduous journey that would lead him to finally settle in southwestern Tanzania.

But still, even after being disappointed with the disintegration of the once mighty Ngonis and having been forced to also secede,the first Zulu Gama knew his place in the Ngoni dynasty,thus did not like being accorded the same respect that he believed should have been reserved for Zwangandeba's successor or at least someone of royal Ngoni blood.

Almost all the children of Zwangendaba who established their own empires after the death of their father, knew the military skills and capabilities of Zulu Gama and wanted him on their side. 

Indeed even after he was long gone, Mbelwa sent an expedition party to bring him back at all costs; a miscalculated move that cost the young Ngoni Prince all his adherents that he sent on this mission, Zulu Gama annihilated them!