Izithakazelo zakwa Nkosi Clan Names History and Origin
Nkosi clan names can be found throughout the world and represent one subgroup of Southern Bantu who migrated from Central Africa during the 16th century and established new nations with unique dialects, languages and cultures.
Clan chieftains, commonly referred to as an Alumuzana, held top ranks in both village and national affairs. Their descendants occupied head villages dedicated to ancestral worship and were given priority when participating in processions or dancing at ceremonial occasions.
Nkosi Clan Names
- Nkosi
- Zulu
- Xhosa
- Ndebele
- Mthethwa
- Ngcobo
- Buthelezi
- Khumalo
- Ntuli
- Mthembu
- Ndlovu
- Nxumalo
- Cele
- Dlamini
- Gumede
- Shabalala
- Zungu
- Mkhize
- Majozi
- Hlongwane
Mthimkhulu
The Mthimkhulu clan dates back to 1300 and can trace their history with pride and power all the way through to today, having produced Traditional Leaders, Chiefs and Kings that remain at the core of AmaHlubiKingdom today.
Mthimkhulu is a family person and highly values its values and traditions. Loyal to those they care about, Mthimkhulu displays strong senses of responsibility by often making sacrifices to support those they care about most. Additionally, they possess natural leadership qualities and are excellent advisers – not shying away from sharing their artistic skills freely with those around them.
Siphiwo Maxwell Mthimkhulu was one of the leading figures of South Africa’s Black Consciousness Movement, an anti-apartheid initiative that reignited resistance against apartheid during the 1970s. Additionally, he served in KwaZulu-Natal legislature.
The Mthimkhulu clan hailing from KwaZulu-Natal’s Estcourt district are well-recognized and respected political activists with an extensive history. They were instrumental in fighting against apartheid for civil rights and equality during this era. Furthermore, they played an instrumental role in combatting corruption and fraud involving Prasa’s purchase of 13 Afro 4000 locomotives through contract winner Swifambo Rail Leasing by uncovering any scandal related to contract wins with illegalities committed by contract winners Swifambo Rail Leasing against Prasa during this purchase process.
Inkabi
Inkabi is an extremely common surname found throughout Africa more often than any other continent or territory, and one variant can also be found. On an international basis, Inkabi ranks 493,936th most frequently held surname and is held by approximately one out of 10,893,193 individuals worldwide.
Mthimkhulu is the clan name given to families with large trees on their land that had received this title as part of their tribal name.
This name derives from -hlong and the suffix -wa. Hlong means to detect; thus this clan was named for those able to find items which others were unable to see or hear.
Siyabonga Nene is a South African rapper and songwriter known as Big Zulu. A member of the Zulu Hip Hop Collective, he has released several albums, such as Donsa Nkabi and Ushun Wenkabi singles. Additionally, his performances can be found in television programs like Isibaya and One Mic and Big Zulu TV; moreover he has earned numerous accolades and awards, such as seven South African Hip Hop Awards for his music.
Dlamini
Dlamini is a surname belonging to the Nguni people. It can be traced back to Dlamini I, also known as Matalatala. He immigrated with other Bantu people during Bantu expansion. Today, there are multiple Dlamini clans across South Africa and Eswatini that share this surname; knowing your clan name helps shed light on your heritage and family tree.
The Dlamini clan was one of the early settlers in what is now Eswatini. Founded by INkosi Dlamini 1 (Matalatala), who descended from Mhuhu of AmaHlubi clan; INkosi Dlamini 1 is also considered to be an ancestor to AmaBhele, AmaTolo and AmaNgwenye clans.
When colonialism was in full effect, Eswatini was home to many powerful clans – Dlamini was among them, becoming one of the first kingdoms established. Members were known for their charisma and leadership. Additionally, this clan produced numerous notable athletes, musicians, and actors among its ranks.
Nkosi Dlamini, born HIV positive in 1989 and has become one of the world’s best-known public figures due to his impactful life story and global influence in combatting AIDS pandemic. He was first African diagnosed with HIV, and his influence can be felt throughout society – including notable Dlaminis like soccer player Nkosinathi Nhleko and professional boxer Nkosinathi Joyi who are all part of Dlamini family tree.
Nkabinde
Nkabinde is a legendary South African singer known for his deep voice. His basso profundo “groaning” style became emblematic of mbaqanga during its popularity surge during Paul Simon’s 1986 Graceland album and tour, which exposed it to an international audience. Since then he has played thousands of gigs alongside groups such as Mahotella Queens and Makgona Tsohle Band; many consider his songs classics of this genre.
Nkabinde was born in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal and raised in Alexandra, Gauteng. As a boy he began leading isicathamiya and mbube choirs at traditional Zulu wedding ceremonies; his resonant voice caused concern among his rural parents; so they took him to see a sangoma who assured them it was simply due to him developing.
Rupert Bopape quickly persuaded Nkabinde to switch record labels, creating the Mavuthela House Band under guitarists Marks Mankwane and Joseph Makwela, rhythm guitarist Vivian Ngubane, drummer Lucky Monama and saxophonist West Nkosi – this group’s sound combined traditional and electric mbaqanga with rumba, komodo and jazz influences with Nkabinde as its star performer, famous for his searing groans that became legendary; additionally the Band provided backup vocals for groups such as Hilda Tloubatla, Juliet Mazamisa, Ethel Mngomezulu Nobesuthu Mbadu and Mildred Mangxola who sang backing vocals themselves as part of groups including Hilda Tloubatla, Juliet Mazamisa Ethel Mngomezulu Nobesuthu Mbadu and Mildred Mangxola among others.
