Sangu people

Sangu
Total population
In 1987 the Sangu population was estimated to number 75,000[1]
Regions with significant populations
 Tanzania
Languages
Sangu
Religion
Christian, African Traditional Religion
Related ethnic groups
Nguni

The Sangu people, (or Rori), are an ethnic group based in the Usangu Plain of Chunya District of Mbeya Region, Tanzania.They speak Sangu (or Kisangu), which belongs to the Bantu language family. The Sangu community has a rich cultural heritage and is known for traditional practices, music, and art. Society is organized around clans and relies on both farming and livestock, such as cattle. Sangu people are also recognized for their historical role in local conflicts and alliances during the colonial era in East Africa.

By 1907, their numbers were thought to be about 30,000. By 1987, their population had risen to an estimated 75,000.[1]

Before the arrival of the Ngoni ethic group, the coastal regions, the Southern Highlands had no political unit larger than clans and chiefdoms. The Sangu clans were thought to have organized into a military force in the 1830's after being attacked. The Sangu sent slaves and ivory to representatives of the coastal regions and were the first to adopt the weapons, tactics, and followed the organization of the Ngoni who dominated the highlands until civil war broke out .

  1. ^ a b Gordon, Raymond G. Jr. "Ethnologue: Languages of the World". Retrieved 12 July 2007.