vemba
/ˈvẽ.bɐ/
noun
Origin
Kimbundu
kumba — to sound, to play an instrument
Overview
Meaning Now
- A term used in some Bantu languages, particularly in Angola, to refer to a specific type of traditional drum or the act of playing such an instrument.
Language path
Bantu → Kimbundu → Portuguese (Angolan variety)
Earliest form
vemba
Earliest period
19th century
Journey
The term is associated with the musical traditions of the Ambundu people of northern Angola. It represents the intersection of Bantu linguistic structures with regional Portuguese dialects where loanwords for local cultural objects were integrated.
Evolution
- Pre-colonial
kumba
“act of drumming”
Root verb form indicating percussion.
- 19th century
vemba
“specific percussion instrument”
Nominalization common in regional speech.
Connections
Word parts
vemba
root
drum or drumming action
Related across languages
Kimbundu
kumba
to beat/drum
Umbundu
ongoma
drum
Related words
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Related to vemba
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.