Queen Nzinga: The African Queen Who Challenged Empire
Hey family,
Today, I want to take you on a journey back to the 17th century, to a land rich with culture and history, where one woman stood as a beacon of resistance against European colonisation. That woman was Queen Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba – a warrior queen who refused to bow down to the Portuguese and fought for the sovereignty of her people in what is now Angola.
Nzinga’s story has been on my mind a lot lately. We often hear stories of warriors and kings, but Nzinga was something else. She wasn’t just a queen by birth; she earned her place as a ruler and strategist, navigating a world where both the forces of colonisation and internal power struggles could have crushed her spirit. Yet, she stood tall, defiant, and ready to do whatever it took to protect her people. And honestly, that makes me reflect on the battles we face today – the struggles we endure to stay grounded and protect our own.
Born around 1583 into the royal family of Ndongo, Nzinga grew up watching her father and later her brother deal with the encroaching Portuguese, who were hell-bent on turning the land and people into commodities for the transatlantic slave trade. But when Nzinga’s brother couldn’t hold the line, she stepped up. Now, family, let me tell you – she didn’t just take power, she seized it. Her strength and diplomacy made her a force the Portuguese couldn’t ignore, and that’s when she famously negotiated with them.
You’ve probably heard of the chair scene, right? It’s one of my favourite stories of resistance. Imagine this: Nzinga arrives at a meeting with the Portuguese governor to discuss peace, but they don’t even have the decency to offer her a chair. Disrespect was their game. But Nzinga? She doesn’t lose a step. She has one of her attendants kneel down to become her chair, and just like that, she turns their disrespect into a moment of power. She sent a message – she would not be belittled or treated as inferior.
It reminds me of the times when the world tries to throw shade at us, belittle us, and diminish our worth. Nzinga’s story is a reminder that we have the power to flip the script, to stand tall in the face of disrespect and keep our heads high.
Nzinga wasn’t just a leader; she was a master of strategy. She played the Portuguese, formed alliances with neighbouring kingdoms, and even used Christianity as a tool of diplomacy when it suited her. Can you imagine the mental and emotional strength that takes? She led her people through decades of war and resistance, all while adapting to the changing political landscape. She wasn’t just fighting one battle; she was leading a movement that lasted for generations.
And family, her fight wasn’t in vain. Queen Nzinga’s leadership secured independence for her people far longer than anyone expected. Even after her death in 1663, her legacy continued to inspire generations. When I think about the anti-colonial movements of the 20th century, I see her fingerprints all over it. The resilience, the determination to protect our land, culture, and identity – Nzinga laid the groundwork for so many who came after her.
Now, I’m sharing Nzinga’s story because I think it speaks to the battles we face today. Whether it’s against systemic oppression, inequality, or the daily grind to hold onto our sense of self, we can learn from Nzinga’s defiance. She reminds us that resistance doesn’t always have to be loud – sometimes, it’s about standing firm, making strategic moves, and never letting anyone take away our dignity.
But I want to hear from you. What does Nzinga’s story bring up for you? Do you feel like there are battles in your life where her example can push you to keep going? Let’s talk about it – share your thoughts in the comments, because her legacy is something we should all reflect on.
Thank you, family, for always supporting me. Every time you engage, comment, and share, it fuels this journey of uncovering and celebrating our history. As always, your support on Patreon helps me bring these stories to life – stories that deserve to be told, remembered, and passed on.
Blessings,
KK
Recommended Reading:
Nzinga of Angola: Africa's Warrior Queen" by Linda M. Heywood
https://amzn.to/4h8pMhv (Opens in a new window)
Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba, Angola, Africa, 1595
https://amzn.to/4eQZxKV (Opens in a new window)
Warrior Women: An Archaeologist’s Search for History’s Hidden Heroines
