Early April in Northwest Arkansas is its own kind of storm—thunderstorms one moment, sunshine the next. But on April 4th, Irvine Mbanga arrived at Canopy undeterred by the rain, dressed not in his usual work attire, but in vibrant traditional clothing—the Siziba, a ceremonial outfit worn by men during the Kuomboka celebration in Zambia. His colorful presence quickly caught everyone’s attention. To understand why, you have to know Irvine. Tall, thoughtful, and always ready with a warm smile, Irvine is originally from western Zambia. As an Employment Specialist at Canopy, he helps newcomers navigate job readiness, financial literacy, and workplace culture—work driven by deep empathy. “I know how it feels,” he says. “As an international student far from home, I want to offer what I didn’t have.”
After arriving in Fayetteville in 2018 and meeting friends who were Canopy clients, Irvine found his own connection to the refugee resettlement community. Now, he plays a key role in helping others find stability and success.
What is Kuomboka?
Kuomboka means “to get out of water.” It’s a centuries-old Barotseland ceremony held when the rainy season floods the plains of western Zambia, taking place at the end of the rainy season in March to April. The Litunga, King of Barotseland, leads a symbolic journey to higher ground, traveling in a massive boat called a Nalikwanda, paddled by members of royal bloodlines. Trailing behind him is the Notila, an equally ornate boat for the Queen. This day is filled with music, drums, marimba, and singing —lasting up to eight hours and often attended by the President. Boasting as one of the longest celebrated ceremonies in all of Africa, it’s a national celebration of resilience, tradition, and identity for Barotseland.
A Personal Celebration
For Irvine, Kuomboka is more than tradition—it’s part of who he is. Each year, he honors it by wearing his Siziba, a gift designed by his brother, often matching with his son. The outfit’s floral patterns, short sleeves, and long, flowing base are worn with pride. Though rooted in western Zambia, the attire is open to anyone as a sign of celebration and respect.
“It’s about survival and renewal,” Irvine says. “The king is moving to safety. That symbolism speaks to many of our journeys.”
This day is also a celebration of family for Irvine. His great-grandmother, Princess Mpambo Liswani, was married to Litunga (King) Yeta III of Barotseland. That royal lineage brings him a deep sense of connection, comfort, and pride—reminders that his heritage runs through both his past and present.
Why It Matters in Fayetteville
In a growing and diverse region like Northwest Arkansas, traditions like Kuomboka offer powerful opportunities for cultural awareness and connection. At Canopy, where staff and clients come from all over the world, recognizing and honoring these traditions helps build a more inclusive community.
“Sometimes all it takes is awareness and an explanation,” Irvine says. Celebrating heritage doesn’t divide us—it enriches us all.
It’s fitting to say Irvine’s journey reflects Kuomboka itself: navigating unfamiliar waters, seeking higher ground, and guiding others along the way. But the truth is, this celebration stands uniquely on its own. Kuomboka carries centuries of meaning, identity, and resilience—and Canopy is a more vibrant place because of it.
We’re honored to celebrate alongside Irvine, and we invite you to join us in recognizing the beauty and significance of Kuomboka.
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