Icha Itomo Mboto: The Beautiful Bemba Saying About New Beginnings

Introduction: The Universal longing for a Fresh Start

Have you ever woken up one morning and decided that today was the day? The day to finally start that project you have been putting off, to mend a broken friendship, to learn a new skill, or simply to let go of an old grudge that has been weighing you down. That feeling, that powerful impulse for renewal, is something every human being understands, no matter where they are from.

In the English language, we have phrases like “turning over a new leaf” or “starting with a clean slate.” They are good phrases, but I have always felt they miss a little bit of the warmth and community that such a change often requires. It was not until I spent time in Zambia, among the Bemba people, that I heard a saying that captured this feeling perfectly, and in a way that felt more complete and more human. That saying is “Icha Itomo Mboto.”

The first time I heard it, I was sitting with a group of elders in a small village in Northern Zambia. A young man had made a series of bad decisions that affected the whole community. After he apologized and promised to do better, one of the old men nodded slowly, looked him directly in the eyes, and said softly, “Icha itomo mboto.” The young man’s shoulders, which had been tense with shame, relaxed. A sense of calm settled over the group. In that moment, I did not need a direct translation to understand the power of those words. They were not just permission to start over; they were an active encouragement, a blessing, a collective sigh of relief. This article is the result of my journey to understand this beautiful phrase inside and out. Let’s explore it together.

Section 1: Breaking Down the Words – A Literal Translation

To truly appreciate “Icha Itomo Mboto,” we need to start by taking it apart, word by word. This is not just a linguistic exercise; it is like looking at the ingredients before you cook a meal. Each word carries a specific flavor that contributes to the whole meaning.

• Icha (ee-cha): This is a Bemba verb that means “it has passed” or “it is over.” It comes from the root word “ukucha,” which means to pass, to end, or to dawn (as in a new day). This is a crucial starting point. “Icha” is a definitive statement. It does not say “it might be over” or “it should be over.” It declares, with finality, that something has concluded. The thing you are worried about, the mistake you made, the bad period you went through—it has passed. This simple word is the foundation of the entire proverb, built on the idea of closure.

• Itomo (ee-toh-moh): This word is a little more complex and beautiful. It is often translated as “dawn” or “daybreak.” But it is more than just a time of day. “Itomo” carries with it the feeling of dawn—the cool, quiet air, the first rays of sunlight piercing the darkness, the sense of peace and new possibilities. It is the moment when night, with all its fears and uncertainties, surrenders to the day. In the context of our proverb, “itomo” symbolizes this new beginning, this fresh opportunity that is being born out of the ended past.

• Mboto (mm-boh-toh): This is the word that adds the profound social and communal dimension to the phrase. “Mboto” translates to “a new fishing net.” In traditional Bemba society, which has historically lived near lakes and rivers, fishing was and for many still is, a vital activity. A new fishing net (mboto) is not just a tool; it is a promise of provision, a means of sustaining the family and the community. It represents hope, productivity, and a fresh start equipped for success. It implies that you are not just starting over empty-handed; you are being given a new tool, a new chance to provide for yourself and contribute to others.

So, if we put it all together in a literal, word-for-word translation, “Icha Itomo Mboto” means:

“It has passed, the dawn [of] a new net.”

Now, that might sound a bit strange in English. But as we will see, the true magic and meaning are not in this literal translation, but in the cultural and metaphorical meaning that the Bemba people hear when this proverb is spoken.

Section 2: The Deeper Meaning – A Philosophy of Renewal and Community

When a Bemba person says “Icha Itomo Mboto,” they are not just describing a new day. They are expressing a whole philosophy of life, one that is built on forgiveness, hope, and the importance of community. The literal translation gives us the skeleton, but the cultural meaning gives it a heart and a soul.

Think of it as “The past is over, and a new, productive day has begun.” Or, even more eloquently, “What is done is done; now is the time for a fresh and fruitful start.”

Let me explain why this is so powerful. In many parts of the world, when someone makes a mistake, we often say “forgive and forget.” But that can feel passive. “Icha Itomo Mboto” is active and forward-looking. It does not just ask you to forget the past; it acknowledges that the past (“Icha”) has happened, but it immediately pivots your attention to the tools and opportunities of the present (“Itomo Mboto”).

The “new net” (mboto) is the key. It symbolizes that you are being equipped for your new beginning. You are not being sent back into the river of life with a torn, old net that will fail you again. You are being given a new, strong, reliable net—which could represent the support of your family, the wisdom you gained from your mistakes, the forgiveness of your community, or simply a renewed sense of purpose and energy.

This proverb is deeply rooted in the African concept of Ubuntu, a philosophy that says “I am because we are.” Our humanity is tied up in each other. An individual’s failure or success is a community matter. Therefore, when one person stumbles, the goal of the community is not to cast them out forever, but to help them heal, learn, and re-equip them to contribute again. “Icha Itomo Mboto” is the verbal embodiment of this process. It is the community’s way of saying, “We release you from your past failure, and we welcome you back with the tools for a better future.”

I remember a time when I failed a very important exam in university. I was wallowing in self-pity for weeks, feeling like I had ruined my future. A Zambian friend of mine came to see me. After listening to me complain for a while, he simply said, “Well, my friend, icha itomo mboto.” He explained that the failure was over. I had studied, I had written, it was done. Now, a new dawn was here. The “new net” was the new semester, the new knowledge I had from knowing where I went wrong, and his support as a study partner. That reframing changed everything for me. It was not a dismissal of my feelings; it was a powerful nudge to look forward to the provision and opportunity that was already available to me.

Section 3: Putting it into Practice – When to Use “Icha Itomo Mboto”

This is not a phrase you use lightly or in every situation. Its power comes from its specific context. Understanding when to use it will help you appreciate its depth even more. Here are some common scenarios, both traditional and modern.

1. After a Conflict or Mistake: This is the most classic use. Imagine two business partners have a falling out. After they talk it out and apologize, one might say “Icha itomo mboto” to signify that the conflict is in the past and they are now starting their partnership anew, with clearer rules and better communication (the new net).

2. At the Start of a New Venture: When a farmer is about to plant a new crop, or a family is moving into a new home, an elder might bless the endeavor by saying “Icha itomo mboto.” It means they are leaving behind any past struggles or bad harvests and stepping into this new phase with hope and the right tools for success.

3. As a Form of Encouragement: If a friend is stuck dwelling on a past regret—a broken relationship, a lost job, a missed opportunity—you can use this proverb to gently encourage them. It is a way of saying, “I know it hurts, and what happened was real, but you cannot change it. Look, a new day is here. Let’s focus on what you can build now.”

4. In Personal Growth and New Year’s Resolutions: On your birthday or at the start of a new year, you can tell yourself, “Icha itomo mboto.” It is a powerful mantra. The old habits, the unachieved goals of last year, they have passed. Today is the dawn, and you are giving yourself a new net—a new gym membership, a new journal, a new online course—to catch the opportunities of the coming year.

What it is NOT used for: You would not use it for trivial matters, like finishing a plate of food or completing a small task. Its weight is reserved for significant endings and beginnings that involve emotional or practical renewal.

Section 4: The Role of Proverbs in Bemba and African Culture

“Icha Itomo Mboto” is just one star in a vast galaxy of Bemba proverbs. To understand it fully, we need to look at its natural habitat: the rich oral tradition of Africa.

In many African societies, proverbs (called inshimi in Bemba) are not just clever sayings; they are the primary tools for teaching, judging, advising, and preserving history. They are the condensed wisdom of ancestors, packaged in a way that is easy to remember and pass down through generations. Before there were written law books or self-help seminars, there were proverbs.

An elder would not give a long lecture to a misbehaving child. They would simply drop a relevant proverb. The child would then have to ponder the meaning, which often taught the lesson more effectively than a scolding ever could. For example, another famous Bemba proverb is “Akabanga kabula liselo,” which means “A little mushroom can spoil the whole sauce.” This is used to teach that a small problem, if ignored, can ruin a big project or a whole community. It is a warning to address issues early.

Proverbs are used in courtship, in politics, in business negotiations, and in storytelling. They are a sign of intelligence and eloquence. Using a proverb appropriately shows that you are not only fluent in the language but also deeply connected to its cultural roots.

So, when you learn “Icha Itomo Mboto,” you are not just learning a phrase. You are learning a key to understanding how the Bemba people see the world—a world that believes in redemption, values community support, and always, always looks for the new dawn after a long night.

Section 5: Expanding Your Wisdom – Other Beautiful Bemba Proverbs

To give you a better sense of this wisdom, here are a few other Bemba proverbs, their translations, and their meanings.

1. Proverb: “Umwana ashenda atasha nyina okunaka.”

   • Translation: “A child who does not travel thinks his mother is the best cook.”

   • Meaning: This encourages people to explore the world beyond their immediate environment. It teaches that exposure to different people and cultures broadens your perspective and helps you appreciate diversity.

2. Proverb: “Imbwa mukosa tailila nkoko.”

   • Translation: “A dog does not cry for a chicken.”

   • Meaning: This is about minding your own business and not grieving over something that was never your concern or responsibility in the first place. It teaches focused empathy and personal boundaries.

3. Proverb: “Ukuteka apateya, tabomfya mulongo.”

   • Translation: “He who cooks for a free-loader, does not light a fire for one person.”

   • Meaning: Your actions, even if directed at one person, often have a wider impact on the community. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of society.

Learning these proverbs is like receiving a masterclass in Bemba philosophy, one that is practical, deeply human, and incredibly relevant even today.

Conclusion: Carrying the Wisdom Forward

“Icha Itomo Mboto” is a small phrase that holds a universe of hope. It is a testament to the human spirit’s incredible resilience and our innate capacity to begin again. It acknowledges the reality of our past struggles without letting them define our future. More importantly, it reminds us that we do not have to start over alone. The “new net” is often woven from the support, forgiveness, and love of those around us.

In our fast-paced, often individualistic modern world, we can all learn from this wisdom. We can be quicker to forgive others and ourselves. We can learn to see every new day not just as another 24 hours, but as a “itomo mboto”—a dawn with a new net, full of potential for provision and success.

So, the next time you find yourself stuck in the past, haunted by a mistake, or simply feeling the weight of yesterday, remember these three powerful words from Zambia. Whisper them to yourself: Icha Itomo Mboto. Let the past be the past. Greet the new dawn. And pick up your new net. Your river of opportunity is waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do you pronounce “Icha Itomo Mboto” correctly?

• A: Here is a simple breakdown:

  • Icha: Pronounced “ee-cha” (like “ee” in “see“, and “cha” like the “cha” in “charge”).

  • Itomo: Pronounced “ee-toh-moh” (stress on the middle syllable, “toh” as in “toe“).

  • Mboto: Pronounced “mm-boh-toh” (The “m” and “b” are blended together. Start by saying “mm” and then immediately “boh-toh”).

Q2: Can I use this proverb in a non-serious, joking context?

• A: It is generally not advisable. Because of its deep cultural weight concerning forgiveness and new beginnings, using it jokingly (e.g., after losing a game) could be seen as disrespectful or as making light of its true meaning. It is best used in sincere situations.

Q3: Is this proverb used in other languages or countries besides Zambia?

• A: “Icha Itomo Mboto” is specific to the Bemba language, which is spoken primarily in Zambia, and also in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania. However, the concept of a proverb about new beginnings is universal. Many African cultures and languages have their own unique sayings that express a similar philosophy.

Q4: Where can I go to learn more about the Bemba language and culture?

• A: There are many online resources, including language learning apps that may have Bemba courses, YouTube channels dedicated to African languages, and websites run by cultural organizations. The best way, if possible, is to connect with people from the Bemba community directly.

Q5: What is the difference between “Icha Itomo Mboto” and the English phrase “Tomorrow is a new day”?

• A: “Tomorrow is a new day” is hopeful, but it can be passive. It just says that time will pass. “Icha Itomo Mboto” is more active and equipped. It says the past is over and you are already provided with a “new net” to actively fish in that new day. The inclusion of the “mboto” (new net) is the crucial difference, adding a layer of empowerment and community support.