Introduction / History

The ancestors of the Chewa Nyanjas migrated from central Africa to their present locations hundreds of years ago. The Chewa Nyanjas are the dominant people in Malawi. They speak the Chichewa language and live in eight countries, mostly in southern Africa. They have two large clans: Phiri and Banda.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most are subsistence farmers who grow corn and sorghum, which they make into nsima, which thick porridge similar to cornmeal mush. Meat is scarce, so they eat whatever they can hunt. That includes termites and mice in some situations.

Their villages have between 40 and 200 huts. They usually live near their kin. They are noted for their wooden masks, used for ceremonies and dramas.

Chewa Nyanja children and grandparents have a sense of equality. Children respect, but don’t fear their grandparents. Commonly, Chewa Nyanja children are raised by their grandmother.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though they have a Christian majority, there is a sizable Muslim minority among the Chewa Nyanjas. Whether Christian or Muslim, traditional beliefs involve a God of creation and the veneration of ancestral spirits. These traditional beliefs have been a segue into these two monotheistic religions.

What Are Their Needs?

They suffer from diseases such as malaria and AIDS. There is a high rate of infant mortality, and the life expectancy is only 46.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in Chewa Nyanja families, drawing them closer to Jesus Christ.
Pray for them to stop sexual practices that increase the likelihood of AIDS.
Pray for a record-high harvest as a testimony of God’s power and love.
Pray for them to be blessed spiritually and materially as they follow the Lord closely.

Scripture Prayers for the Nyanja, Chewa in South Africa.

References

https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/chewa
https://www.101lasttribes.com/tribes/chewa.html