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Chinyimba

Chinyimba are a pair of traditional bell-like adornments cum musical instruments that are won around the wrists of an initiate, omusinde. The initiate strikes the metal bells using a metal rod to produce a high pitched, fast, rhythmic jingle that’s the heartbeat of khuminya and khulanga rites during the Bukusu circumcision ceremony.

Singular: Enyimba.

poster of khulanga the bukusu circumcision tradition with image of two boys in traditional regalia dancing and blowing whistles

Meet khulanga, a tradition at the heart of the Bukusu circumcision ceremony

Luhya traditional circumcision /

The Bukusu circumcision ceremony is important to the health of the community of Babukusu, the largest of the 18 houses of mulembe, because it brings together kith and kin in celebration of life, progress and continuity. The tradition of khulanga, makes this possible. To date, the Bukusu of Kenya hold their customs and traditions sacred. […]

Meet khulanga, a tradition at the heart of the Bukusu circumcision ceremony Read More »

poster with dark yellow background and words the traditional Bukusu circumcision ceremony - everything you'll ever need to know

Speak with authority on Bukusu traditional circumcision ceremony like a true son or daughter of the soil: Who is omusinde? What is sisingilo? And other important vocabulary

Bukusu Culture, Luhya Culture, Luhya traditional circumcision /

Were you circumcised in the traditional way? This is a common, albeit rude, question that Gents face whenever they identify themselves as Bukusu. So popular is the Bukusu traditional circumcision ceremony that it is sure to dominate conversations. If for one reason or another your knowledge on your peoples ways isn’t up to scratch, that’s

Speak with authority on Bukusu traditional circumcision ceremony like a true son or daughter of the soil: Who is omusinde? What is sisingilo? And other important vocabulary Read More »

poster titled khuminya with image of peeled banana

Down khuminya memory lane: Reliving naughty childhood adventures escorting basinde through the village whilst singing circumcision songs

Bukusu Culture, Luhya Culture, Luhya traditional circumcision /

We learn all that pertains khuminya; a rite that’s central to Luhya traditional circumcision ceremony through the lens of my childhood adventures. Back when we were growing up, life in the village was sweet to the bone. Especially come every August of even years. The arrival of this special 8th month ushered the circumcision year

Down khuminya memory lane: Reliving naughty childhood adventures escorting basinde through the village whilst singing circumcision songs Read More »