People
Who they are
The Nyamwezi live mainly in the Tabora region, in west-central Tanzania. Their homeland is called Unyamwezi, and the people are also called Wanyamwezi. They speak Nyamwezi, or Kinyamwezi, a Bantu language. Many make their living from farming and raising cattle, and many live and work outside their homeland, in Tanzania’s commercial and agricultural centers, such as Tabora and Dodoma.
Storytelling, music and dance are part of ceremonies and gatherings. Blacksmiths and woodworkers have a long tradition among them.
History and origin
From the 18th century onward, the Nyamwezi became known for long-distance trade between the interior and the coast of East Africa. Many worked as porters and as intermediaries for traders in enslaved people. In the 19th century, there were several Nyamwezi kingdoms, and Tabora was a major trading center. At the end of that century, the region came under German rule and, after World War I, under British rule.
Where they live
1
Country
2.1M
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Tanzania Partially reached
|
100%
|
2.069.000 |
How they live
The Nyamwezi grow corn, millet, sorghum, rice and cassava. Farming is largely done by hand, though some use tractors and animals. Farmers have long made furrows and ridges in their fields to retain water because rainfall is irregular.
Ugali, a firm dough made from cornmeal, millet or sorghum, is served with meat and greens. Music and dance are important at weddings and other ceremonies.
What they believe
Islam is the largest religion among the Nyamwezi, and there are also Christians and followers of traditional religion. Many Christians and Muslims retain traditional customs and beliefs.
In traditional religion, there is a creator God, and people believe that deceased relatives who are forgotten can bring misfortune, usually illness. The mfumu, a diviner, advises people on spiritual and health problems. Sheep or goats are offered to deceased relatives.
Language and the Bible
The New Testament in Nyamwezi was published in 1951. Translation of the Old Testament did not continue at that time because of a lack of funds, and the complete Bible is still not available in the language. Later, the main churches in the region requested a translation of the Old Testament and a revision of the New Testament.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Nyamwezi
New Testament complete
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Current stage
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)34%
Evangelicals8%
Barriers to the gospel
One of the churches in the region has planted about a hundred churches in the area, but most of those who attend are believed to be from neighboring peoples rather than Nyamwezi. Belief in the activity of the spirits of deceased relatives persists among the Nyamwezi.
Needs
The complete Bible is not yet available in the Nyamwezi language, and churches in the region have requested the Old Testament and a revision of the New Testament. There is also a shortage of Nyamwezi Christians trained to teach their own people.
Signs of hope
In 2020, a Bible school opened in Tabora to prepare Nyamwezi Christians to share the gospel with their people. The school also trains Christians from neighboring peoples as evangelists and church leaders.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for Nyamwezi families who make their living from farming and depend on irregular rains.
Pray for the translation of the Old Testament and the revision of the New Testament in Nyamwezi.
Pray for Nyamwezi Christians to be equipped to teach the Bible to their families.
Pray for churches in the Tabora region to reach the Nyamwezi people and train leaders from among them.
Pray for the students and teachers at the Bible school in Tabora.
Pray for Nyamwezi Christians and Muslims who still fear the spirits of the dead to know the peace of Christ.
Pray for Nyamwezi
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
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