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Omusinde

Omusinde in Bukusu language refers to an uncircumcised boy. It is also a term used by adult males to pay homage to their mothers when introducing themselves. In the articles that follow, get a full appreciation of the cultural aspects of who is omusinde, types of omusinde and the special status of omusinde within and beyond  the realms of the Bukusu traditional circumcision ceremony.

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 image of broken plate titled burst beer broken dreama kamalawa kakatikhe

The pitiful story of omusinde whose beer delayed khuyusia, how not to suffer kamalwa kakatikhe

Bukusu Culture, Luhya Culture, Learn Luhya, Learn Lubukusu - Bukusu Language, Luhya traditional circumcision /

Four things. One: omusinde. Two: a proud father. Three: kamalwa khuyusia, ancestors’ timely but unwelcome lessons, the elusive nature of trust and kamalwa kakatikhe. This is the story of a boy whose big day, well, let’s just say it burst. The Bukusu people have a number of sayings about beer. Regulars here have already benefited

The pitiful story of omusinde whose beer delayed khuyusia, how not to suffer kamalwa kakatikhe Read More »

how to refer to people in Lubukusu poster

Let us learn how to refer to people in lubukusu: Basic Bukusu nouns referring to people

Learn Luhya, Learn Lubukusu - Bukusu Language /

Welcome. Come learn Lubukusu with us. Today we introduce you to more basic Bukusu words. Here are 10 Bukusu nouns referring to people. This is how to refer to people in Lubukusu; with the respect, love and in accordance to the ethos of the spirit of mulembe. About the Bukusu Omundu Is the word used

Let us learn how to refer to people in lubukusu: Basic Bukusu nouns referring to people Read More »

poster with image of beer froth titled kamalwa khamakhalange

Meet makhalanje aka tsimbale aka kamalwa kamakhalange: The humble traditional Luhya fermented food that’s been paid as a queen’s bride price, is key when making men out of boys, is enjoyed by the high and mighty and more interesting stories

Freedom Fighters, Shujaas and Modern Day Luhya Heroes, Bukusu Culture, Luhya Culture, Prominent Luhyas /

Among the Luhya the traditional beer, kamalwa, is made from spontaneously fermented maize flour. The fermented flour is sun dried then fried in a pan until it assumes a coarse powder form. When in this state, it is known as kamalwa kamakhalange or simply kamakhalange. Also: Makhalanje, tsimbale, mkarango. My people simply cannot resist kamalwa

Meet makhalanje aka tsimbale aka kamalwa kamakhalange: The humble traditional Luhya fermented food that’s been paid as a queen’s bride price, is key when making men out of boys, is enjoyed by the high and mighty and more interesting stories 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

Luhya traditional circumcision, Bukusu Culture, Luhya Culture /

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 »

A man hung himself, one got struck by lightening, mob justice took another away, all about special Luhya burial rites for unnatural deaths

Luhya Culture /

Death by suicide, lightening or mob justice were considered taboo among the Luhya. A synopsis of special Luhya burial rites that accompanied unnatural deaths Few things matter to a Luhya than the send off they would receive once their time was up. Luhya death rituals such as khumina chimoni might suffer in the face of

A man hung himself, one got struck by lightening, mob justice took another away, all about special Luhya burial rites for unnatural deaths Read More »