Nshakalabe Uluse Lwa Mfumu ((exclusive))

. While it can refer to an earthly leader, it is most commonly used in a spiritual context to express gratitude for the grace and mercy of God.

However, many Bemba Christian theologians have reinterpreted it. They argue that the proverb is not about murder but about . They point to King David in the Bible (1 Kings 1) who, in his extreme old age, could not keep warm, and Adonijah attempted to seize the throne. The court had to act. Similarly, the Catholic Bemba hymnbook includes a prayer: "Lesa, nshakalabe ukuti banaka bangu bambala uluse..." (God, do not let me see the day my children treat me with mercy because I am a burden.) nshakalabe uluse lwa mfumu

The Bemba paramountcy, under the Chitimukulu , has a unique system of succession known as ukwasa (to eat or to inherit the kingdom). The king is not an absolute autocrat in the Western sense; he is a chairman of a council of senior chiefs ( Abakabilo ) and clan elders ( Abena Ng'anda ). They argue that the proverb is not about murder but about

"Heavenly Father, I thank You for this new day. As I step out, I make a promise to always remember Your kindness. Nshakalabe uluse lwa mfumu Lesa. Similarly, the Catholic Bemba hymnbook includes a prayer: