Kalala Ilunga

Kalala Ilunga was one of the emperors of Luba, an empire which spread over the province of Katanga (before cutting) into Zambia and Zimbabwe. Kalala Ilunga was the eldest son of Ilunga Mbili and nephew of King Kongolo Mwamba. From a young age, Kalala Ilunga is an attractive option by its capacity warrior (like his father) and its spiritual and mystical gifts.

Having reached the age of a young adult, he incorporated the warring forces of the empire and will lead to many successes. Kongolo, already old and worried for his offspring and his empire ambitions and fearing revenge against Ilunga Mbidi, will organize a plot to eliminate him as well.

During a ceremony at the Court, Kalala Ilunga, like all other Princes had to do a ritual dance before the king. In the dance hall had been dug a hole where there had concealed spears and fetishes so that Kalala Ilunga would fall over and die. Fortunately, priests Mbudie had echoes of the trap and alerted him. During the ceremony, Kalala Ilunga performed his dance with caution to avoid the trap. After the coup failed, Kongolo held another conspiracy with the complicity of a few soldiers.

It was expected that the slaughter Kalala Ilunga warriors on the battlefield. When the mutiny broke out, the faithful of the protected Kalala Ilunga and came out victorious. Thinking that his victory was gained, Kongolo went on the battlefield to find Kalala Ilunga living and supported by the soldiers. Kalala Ilunga went after Kongolo, caught him and killed him. He took care to take his head and his genitals with whom he returned to the capital of Mwibele. In exposing the people and the court, he was immediately proclaimed King of kings, Mulopwe (Emperor Tshiluba).

The Luba Empire was prosperous and large until his death in 1849. His son Ilunga wa Luhefu succeeded him, but could not keep the empire intact.