Isanzu people

The Isanzu (Anyihanzu) are a Bantu ethno-linguistic group based in Mkalama District, Singida Region, Tanzania. In 1987 the Isanzu population was estimated to number 32,400 . The Isanzu have matrilineal descent groups and are agriculturalists who subsist on sorghum, millet, and maize. Most Isanzu make a living as farmers and through migrant labour to other parts of the country, principally, Arusha.^[1]

Isanzuland was colonized by Germany in the late 19th century, and during the First World War, occupied by British forces. Following the war Tanganyika became a British Trust Territory and a British administration governed this area, like the rest of the Territory, through a policy of Indirect Rule until independence in 1961.^[2]

Language

The Isanzu speak a Bantu language called kinyihanzu. Nearly everyone also speaks Swahili, Tanzania's lingua franca. Because of interaction with Iraq Nyaturu, and Nyiramba people also speak Iraq, Nyaturu, and Nyiramba.

Big Clans and Families

1. Kitunga
2. Msindai
3. Mpeku
4. Manzawa
5. Mpinga
6. Mahumi
7. Malalika
8. Gang'ai
9. Mpanda
10. Mkilanya
11. Mzengi
12. Holela
13. Mikael
14. Mtiko
15. Ibobo
16. Saenda
17. Giisi (Yagisi)
18. Pyuza (Taken from Nyiramba)