Muyaka bin Haji: The Star of Poems

Did you know that the coastal area extending from Lamu town to Sofala in Mozambique was once known as the Swahili Coast? Between the 11th and 15th centuries, the Swahili Coast comprised of numerous independent city-states, all of which were collectively united by their location – along the Indian Ocean, language – Swahili, and religion – Islam. Towards the end of the 17th century, the city states came under the Omani-Arabs rule, and thus began the period of Sultans in East Africa. 

On matters of language, Swahili is one of few African languages that has a precolonial written tradition. Prior to the mid-nineteenth century Swahili texts were written in Arabic and some of the earliest texts were poetry, an art that soon became associated with the WaSwahili. Poems were first inspired by religion, but soon after evolved, taking on a secular bent and discussing societal matters such as politics and way of life. One of the historically famed Swahili poets who still holds a prominent place in the hearts of many Swahili people is Muyaka bin Haji al-Ghassaniy. 

Muyaka was born in Mombasa – one of the Swahili coastal states – in 1776. His poetic vocation began sometime in the first half of the 19th century. He came to be known as the poet who described, criticised, and ridiculed current affairs of the time – and his words were written in Kimvita, a Swahili dialect that was common among Mombasa people. But perhaps what was most outstanding about this legendary poet was his word play; he would incorporate rich and extensive vocabulary, and use this to invite double meanings.

Like the writers of today, Muyaka’s inspiration came from the world around him. Living in a time when polygamy was the norm in most family set ups, some of Muyaka’s poems are said to have been inspired by his marriage, particularly his second wife.  

As for his poems that mocked politics, often in a satirical way, he encouraged the Mazrui Family who were the appointed rulers of Mombasa to stand autonomously and oppose their rulers in Muscat in Oman. One of his poems from back then, Diwani ya Muyaka, was edited in 1940 included a preface that shared insights of his lifetime, portraying him as an analyst of current affairs and opinionated critic. 

Then there was the poetry that could best be described as leisurely, or an appreciation for culture. This is where his poem ‘Bao Naligwa’ falls under. In this piece he speaks about Bao, the traditional board game that was an enjoyed pastime among most Swahili people. 

The poem goes… 

Nalipohiteza Bao, Bao la mti haiba,  

nali hiishika ngao katikati hajishiba;  

nikiteza kwa vituo hafunga kwa namu haba  

ndipo nambapo ‘shurba’ oani Bao naligwa! 

Mtaji nalohiuta nalihiuta hashiba  

nami nikaziokota hata hajaza kibaba  

Baole likatakata msi namu ya akiba  

ndipo nambapo ‘shurba’ oani Bao naligwa! 

The words mtaji, namu and takata are common in the game and Muyaka uses different interpretations of them  in his wordplay.  

Muyaka bin Haji al-Ghassaniy died in 1840 but his name, poems and talent remains etched in history, and on our list of Shujaas. 

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