VIdeo: Njinga of Angola: Africa's Warrior Queen
The remarkable life story of Queen Njinga, who rose to control two kingdoms and fended off the Portuguese.
Few women have lived a life quite like Njinga Mbande, sometimes known by her Christian name as Anna de Souza Nzingha. A diplomat, warrior, and queen of two kingdoms, she fought for the independence of her people at the height of European colonialism in Africa. Her road to power was not easy, and she spent her entire life in martial or diplomatic combat. But Njinga proved capable of the challenge, despite setbacks, tragedy, and opposition from all sides.
Early Life of Njinga
Born in modern Angola in 1583, Njinga was the daughter of the King of Ndongo. At the time, Ndongo was a powerful vassal of the larger Kingdom of Kongo. Njinga was an intelligent, active child beloved by her father. She was taught personal combat skills, military tactics, and diplomacy through her close relationship with the king. She could also read and speak Portuguese fluently. But, as a woman, she was not seen as a possible heir to the throne.
When Njinga’s father died in 1617, her brother became king. Sensing a political rival in his sister and her children, he had Njinga sterilized and her child murdered. Njinga retreated to the Kingdom of Matamba, where she lived for several years.
Her Exile and Return to Ndongo
But Njinga was not destined for a life of exile. Her brother struggled to hold off the advancing Portuguese and, in desperation, asked her to return as his ambassador. Njinga refused to let Portuguese negotiators have the upper hand. When the Portuguese failed to provide her with a chair, she sat on her guard instead. Through deft diplomacy, she convinced Portugal to recognize Ndongo as an independent kingdom. In exchange, Ndongo would open for trade, and Njinga personally converted to Christianity.
Unfortunately, these talks collapsed due to political turmoil in Ndongo. Njinga’s brother died a few years later, naming her as his heir. But her path to power was not that simple. Facing war with Portugal and resistance against a female ruler, Njinga fled into exile once more. She returned to Matamba and forcibly took control of the second kingdom by deposing its ruler. With an army at her back, she was finally able to enforce her claim to the Ndongo throne.
Her Final Years and Legacy
Still, the problem of Portugal loomed. Njinga led her troops personally, reinforcing her legitimacy as a female ruler. Additionally, she used her skill in diplomacy to forge several key alliances, including with the Dutch. After decades of armed resistance, the Portuguese at least retreated. Njinga spent her final years working to strengthen her two kingdoms, dying at the age of 82 in 1663. She reigned for 37 years and is now remembered as a national hero of Angola.
This lecture from author Linda Heywood sheds more light on the life of this remarkable woman.
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