‘Wabuta mwana sa kumba’
‘She who gives birth to a child deserves praise.’
Loango was founded by Cikulu and the 27 blacksmith clans of Mayombe known as Buvandji, within the Kongo kingdom. They took turns ruling over Loango.
The first 9 Mâ Loango were from these clans. However, their reigns were cruel, and calamities were relentless.
The blessing of the ancestors seemed to have left Loango. Moreover, the 27 Buvandji clans could no longer agree on choosing the future Mâ Loango. They decided that they should consult the Mâ Yongo, ntomi za Bunzi (priest of Bunzi), guardian of the sanctuary of Bunzi, the protective deity of Loango and an aspect of Nzambi A Mpungu governing fertility and vitality. This sanctuary is located in Tshisinda, Ngoyo.
Facing the chiefs of Loango, the Ntomi spoke only briefly;
“Only a sacred person can resolve your problem. Bring them to me.”
The notables of Bwali were in great perplexity. After lengthy deliberation, they decided to search for a princess beyond their lands, beyond Mayombe, among the first inhabitants: the forest dwelling peoples. There they encountered Nobo Sinda, a young girl from one of these communities. They told her how Loango needed a queen and that she alone could fulfill this role. Intrigued, Nobo Sinda agreed.
Once in Loango, the nganga (diviners) and ntomi (priests) endowed her with numerous powers before escorting her by land to Tshisinda, avoiding the sea and certain waterways inhabited by dangerous forces, following the given instructions.