Matirî Ngemi

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Matirí Ngemi is a podcast discussing, exploring and researching the Agikuyu culture, history and heritage.

Matirî Ngemi


    • Dec 3, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 1m AVG DURATION
    • 22 EPISODES


    Latest episodes from Matirî Ngemi

    Season Two Reflections

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2021 74:10


    In the final episode of the season, Waiyaki and Njeri reflect on their podcast journey through season one, bringing to light key themes from each episode. See you in season 2! Please enjoy and share. 

    Single-Parenthood

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2021 57:40


    In this episode, we talk about, at a very high level, the topics of single-parenthood, its causes in pre-colonial times and the resolutions for when it happened, for both a single mother who was going to get married, and one who wasn't going to get married. We also discuss how sexual education took place. We only scratched the surface in this discussion. To learn more, please research these topics by consulting with knowledgable elders in our community. Listen, subscribe, share and enjoy the podcast!

    Listeners' Choice - Part II

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2021 71:46


    In this episode, we continue to answer some of the questions that the listeners have asked. The broad topics that the questions cover are spirituality, esoteric knowledge, naming, social issues etc. Enjoy and share and give us feedback!

    Listeners' Choice - Part I

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2021 99:39


    In this episode, we answer some of the questions that the listeners have asked. The broad topics that the questions cover are Ûthoni and Irua. We will continue to answer the other questions in the next podcast episode so stay tuned! Enjoy and share. 

    Ûthoni na Rûracio (Agîkûyû Philosophy on Marriage) - Part III

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2021 74:59


    In this episode, we conclude our discussion on Agîkûyû philosophy of Ûthoni and Rûracio. Listen to episode 4 and 5 for parts I and II of the discussion if you haven't already. Enjoy, share and provide feedback. We know there will be lots of questions on this topic, and other topics. In our next episode, we will focus on answering listeners questions; so send those in using our twitter, instagram and facebook. You can also email your detailed question to matiringemi@gmail.com

    Ûthoni na Rûracio (Agîkûyû Philosophy on Marriage) - Part II

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2021 64:37


    In this episode, we continue to discuss and explore Agîkûyû philosophy of Ûthoni and Rûracio. Listen to episode 4 for part I of the discussion if you haven't already. Enjoy, share and provide feedback. References:The Southern Kikuyu before 1903, Volume II by L.S.B. Leakey. (https://www.mathaga.com/collections/pre-colonial/products/the-southern-kikuyu-before-1903-by-l-s-b-leakey)

    Ûthoni na Rûracio (Agîkûyû Philosophy on Marriage) - Part I

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2021 83:33


    This podcast introduces the foundational terms and concepts of Ûthoni, Rûracio and Ûhiki. The aim of this discussion is to enable to listener to understand the Philosophy of marriage for the Mûgîkûyû, and how our forefathers thought about the process, and contrasting it with how we think about it today. This is Part I of the discussion. Enjoy, share and provide feedback. 

    Irua (Initiation into adulthood)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2021 87:09


    In this episode, we discuss Irua, commonly referred to as circumcision. We discuss the history and philosophy of this very important stage in the life of a Mûgîkûyû. This discussion really is a primer for anyone who would like to research, learn and understand Irua, and its esoteric wisdom. Enjoy and share, and provide feedback. Some resources on Irua: (Included are some of the songs that were/are sang during the Irua period)https://mukuyu.wordpress.com/2017/11/08/gikuyu-foundational-teaching-for-initiates/ Songshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x5uu3HuFJchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5H_CD0_vdAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN8g29_uNrAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9ilRCG9yjk

    The Economy of the Mûgîkûyû

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2021 55:45


    In this episode, we discuss the relationship of the Gîkwa and the Mûkûngûgû as a metaphor for the family relationship between the man and the woman, and discuss at a high level the economy and talents of the pre-colonial Mûgîkûyû. To learn more, please read the following article thanks to Mûkûyû. https://mukuyu.wordpress.com/2019/05/29/gikwa-na-mukungugu/ Enjoy and please give us feedback. Nî ngatho. 

    Mûciî wa Mûgîkûyû (Home of the Mûgîkûyû)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2021 49:04


    In this episode, we give a high-level overview and description of the Mûciî or Home of the Mûgîkûyû. We also discuss the importance of the Nyûmba and the Thingira. Ancestral land and inheritance, a very important and sensitive topic is also discussed. To learn more about the Mûciî, please click on the resources below: https://mukuyu.wordpress.com/2011/09/18/mucii/https://mukuyu.wordpress.com/2014/06/15/kikuyu-traditional-architecture-documented/https://mukuyu.wordpress.com/2014/06/29/kikuyu-mans-abode/https://mukuyu.wordpress.com/2014/11/09/thingira-2/https://mukuyu.wordpress.com/2015/09/08/gikuyu-nyumba-sacred-geometry/https://mukuyu.wordpress.com/2015/11/03/healing-instrument/ Enjoy and please give us feedback. Nî ngatho. 

    Season 2 Prelude

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2021 17:03


    The season will open with a discussion on the overview of the Mûciî of the Mûgîkûyu, with an emphasis on the of the “Nyûmba”, and the importance of the “Thingira” in episode one. Episode 2 will follow on the heels of episode one, with an explanation of the duties of the Husband, wife, and children. Episode 3, Irua will be the focus discussion, and in episode 4, and 5, we will delve into Ûthoni, its meaning and importance and discuss Rûracio and Ngurario. To follow up this all-encompassing topic of marriage, we will discuss Mîruru in Episode 7. In Episode 6, we will have a Q&A session, based on the topics we have discussed so far. In Episode 8, we will go discuss Kîrumi, Mûgiro and Thahu. We will conclude the season, by discussing and translating a Gîkuyu Prayer in detail in episodes 9 and 10. Hope you learn and enjoy!

    Season Reflections

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2020 65:18


    In the final episode of the season, Waiyaki and Njeri reflect on their podcast journey through season one, bringing to light key themes from each episode. See you in season 2! Please enjoy and share. 

    The Pre-Colonial Agîkûyû Way of Life - Part III

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2020 57:15


    In this last episode of the 3 part trilogy, Waiyaki and Njeri continue the conversation with Ciku and King'ori as they dissect the Stages of life of a Mugikuyu in the last 3 stages of a Mugikuyu's life. Please enjoy and share. 

    The Pre-Colonial Agîkûyû Way of Life - Part II

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2020 64:17


    In Part II, Waiyaki and Njeri continue the conversation with Ciku Gachugi and King'ori Kanyi as they dissect the Stages of life of a Mugikuyu, and explore and discuss topics such as ear piercing (gutonywo ndugira), warriorhood, motherhood and other aspects of the vibrant culture Agikuyu culture before colonization, Listen, share and give us feedback.

    The Pre-Colonial Agîkûyû Way of Life - Part I

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2020 47:45


    In this episode, Waiyaki and Njeri are joined by very special guests Ciku Gachugi and King'ori Kanyi. They explore and discuss the way of the Mugikuyu before colonization and contrast it with the post-colonial era. They also deepen the conversation further on the first two stages in the life of a Mugikuyu. Please enjoy.

    The Life of a Mûgîkûyû

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2020 63:52


    In this podcast episode, Waiyaki and Njeri introduce ethical principles that the Mugikuyu aspired to live by (and should aspire to live by even today) and the stages that a man and a woman go through throughout their life.To learn more about Agikuyu ethics, please read the book "African Ethics, Gikuyu Traditional Morality" by Mutigaire Hannah Wangeci Kinoti. 

    Listeners' Choice

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2020 55:16


    In this episode, Waiyaki and Njeri tackle 8 key common questions that the listeners had asked. These questions span a broad variety of topics and represent what has been on the listeners minds after listening to the previous podcast episodes.

    Agîkûyû Religion & Spirituality Part II

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2020 64:54


    Even before colonization, the Agikuyu were a deeply spiritual people who believed that the physical life continuously intertwined with the afterlife.In this episode, Waiyaki and Njeri are joined by King'ori wa Kanyi, to explore the Agikuyu spiritual beliefs on God, self, community and the afterlife. To learn more about Iri and Iriri, look for the books African Ethics by Hannah Wangeci Kinoti, and Mutigairi na Iriri (1937), and Mwendwoniri na Iriri (1937) by Justin Itotia wa Kimacia. 

    The Philosophy of Mûratina

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2020 48:49


    Muratina is an important and sacred aspect of the Agikuyu culture. Yet, over time, its true meaning has been misunderstood and its purpose watered down (pun intended) to that of an illicit brew. In this episode, Waiyaki and Njeri discuss the spiritual meaning, purpose and intention of the use of Muratina, according to the Agikuyu culture and traditions. 

    Agîkûyû Religion and Spirituality Before British Rule

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2020 45:44


    Religion and spirituality have always been a central part of the Agikuyu culture. In this episode, Waiyaki and Njeri discuss pre-colonial Agikuyu traditions and ethics, and contrast it with modern day practices.Ref. The Decline of Spiritual Authority in Gikuyu Traditional Religion - Dr. Peter Kiarie Njoroge

    The Power of "Ngemi" (Ululations)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2020 50:26


    Once you see and understand the true spiritual power and meaning behind Ngemi, (ululations) you will never say or hear them the same, again.  Our heritage is rich and deep.In this Episode, Waiyaki & Njeri begin with a conversation about the bigger purpose of birth and children to  the Agikuyu. They then have a provocative discussion about the 5 sacred and spiritual meanings behind Ngemi (ululations.) We close with perspective on the importance of naming and how the Agikuyu named their children.Join us, enjoy and share widely. Ref. The Southern Kikuyu before 1903 by L.S.B Leakey Vol II

    The Origin Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2020 53:45


    This first podcast details the origin story of the Agikuyu, the clans and some of their characteristics, and informs the listener on how to find out about their lineage. Enjoy.

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