Queen Nzinga: Warrior Queen Of Angola

The fearless leader that defied the Portuguese to protect her kingdom

As much as there are men that have shaped the history of Africa, women too have played a massive role in our hidden heritage. In this week’s journey into our past, I discovered the story of Queen Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba, a woman whose life and legacy continue to inspire and captivate centuries after her time.

Queen Nzinga was born around 1583 and emerged as a fearless warrior queen, diplomat, and symbol of resistance against Portuguese colonialism in 17th-century Africa. The Portuguese were some of the most voracious slavers and have escaped scrutiny due to the collapse of their dominance not he world scene and the fact they never truly established a global presence the way the British, French and Americans did on the backs of slavery and African colonialism.

This is why the incredible story of the Africans that resisted the portuguese from Angola to Brazil are very rarely spoken of. We will be changing that here on my newsletter and we start with this fearless queen of Africa.

The Rise of Queen Nzinga

Queen Nzinga's journey to prominence was anything but conventional. Born into the royal family of Ndongo, a kingdom in what is now Angola, her early life was marked by political turmoil and the looming threat of Portuguese colonial expansion. Her father, King Kiluanji, ruled over a kingdom constantly under siege by Portuguese forces seeking to extend their dominion in Africa. It was within this turbulent context that Nzinga's life began to take shape.

In her early years, Nzinga served as an emissary and negotiator for her brother, Ngola Mbandi, who was the ruler of Ndongo. Her role as a diplomat honed her negotiation skills, while her keen intellect and charisma earned her the respect of both her people and foreign dignitaries.

A Queen's Ascent

Nzinga's life took a dramatic turn when, after her brother's reign was plagued by internal strife and Portuguese aggression, he died under mysterious circumstances. Rather than shrink away into obscurity, Nzinga seized the opportunity to ascend to the throne herself. In doing so, she became Queen Nzinga, a name that would become historic that is until colonialism and the constant decline of African narrative autonomy relegated hers and countless other African stories into darkness.

As queen, Nzinga faced numerous challenges, both internal and external. Her kingdom was under constant threat from Portuguese colonial forces that sought to exploit the region's resources and establish dominance. Nzinga however, was determined to protect her people and her homeland from these encroachments. The thing was, how could she do this when she knew her kingdom didn’t have the raw power to repel the Portuguese?

Diplomacy and Resistance

One of Queen Nzinga's most remarkable attributes was her diplomatic prowess. She recognized that, to survive in a world where colonial powers sought to subjugate African kingdoms, she needed to be a master of diplomacy and alliance-building.

Nzinga skillfully engaged in negotiations and formed alliances with neighbouring African states. She also reached out to the Dutch, who were themselves challenging Portuguese dominance in the region. These diplomatic maneuvers allowed her to bolster her kingdom's defenses and thwart Portuguese attempts at complete subjugation.

This is a tactic Africa still hasn’t learned. We are still unable to grasp the importance of African unity in the face of external threat and this is highlighted by the west African coups and how African nations in the region have been unable to stand as one against the French pressure to sanction Niger and Burkina Faso.

With Queen Nzinga, it was a specific diplomatic encounter that would etch her name into history. In 1622, she met with Portuguese Governor João Correia de Sousa in a negotiation that would become legendary.

Determined not to bow before the governor, Queen Nzinga orchestrated a subtle act of defiance. Instead of offering him a seat at the head of the negotiation table, she had a chair placed on the opposite side. This maneuver compelled the governor to sit across from her, creating a visual representation of equality during their talks. This audacious move earned her the respect of her adversaries and showcased her unyielding spirit. It was a small thing. A symbolic gesture designed to highlight she was on the same mental and intellectual level as her adversaries. If the Europeans could play games with Africa, she could play games with them.

A Warrior Queen's Legacy

The fact Queen Nzinga focused so much on diplomacy doesn’t mean she didn’t understand the inevitability of war in that era. While diplomacy was her preferred method of resistance, she understood that military might was a necessary tool to protect her people and her homeland. She led her armies into battle, inspiring her troops with her unwavering courage and tenacity.

One of her most significant military triumphs occurred in 1647 when she successfully defended the kingdom of Matamba against a Portuguese invasion. Her resilience and tactical brilliance during this conflict earned her the enduring moniker "The Warrior Queen." Her military victories were testaments to her strength and determination.

Queen Nzinga's legacy extends far beyond her lifetime. In Angola and beyond, she is celebrated as a national hero and an iconic figure of resistance against colonialism. Her life story has inspired countless books, films, and works of art, ensuring that her indomitable spirit continues to be celebrated and remembered.

Perhaps one of the most enduring aspects of Queen Nzinga's legacy is her challenge to conventional gender roles. In a time when women's roles were often confined to the domestic sphere, Nzinga blazed a trail of leadership and power. Her reign as queen and her fearless actions shattered the limitations placed on women of her era, making her an icon of female empowerment.

She did what was necessary to defend her kingdom and people while maintaining respect for the men in her life including the brother she succeeded to the throne.

This is her story and there is so much more to learn.

PAY ATTENTION