The Kimbundu, or North Mbundu, are located in the African country of Angola. The name Angola is derived from the chief who was called Ngola. The relative size of Angola is roughly twice the land area of Texas. The Kimbundu people span across the Angolan provinces of Luanda, Bengo, Cuanza Sul, Cuanza Norte and Malange.
The history of the Kimbundu culture dates back to the 1400's, in which the Kimbundun roots were established in the Ndongo Kingdom. Times in Angola were not always peaceful for the Kimbundu culture, however. Throughout the 16th and 17th century, the Kimbundun people were under heavy confrontation brought on by the Portuguese government. In 1671, the Portuguese forced Kimbunduns into submission. Under this rule, the Kimbundun culture suffered greatly from the slave trading/exporting operations that were taking place.
The suffering finally began to decrease in 1956 when the Kimbundu developed the MPLA (Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola). Under the MPLA, war began and the Portuguese government was forced out of Angola and independence was granted in 1975. Today, an uneasy feeling hangs over many Angolans since a civil war was fought since 1975. An agreement to cease-fire was signed in 1994.
Today, the Kimbundu are dealing with an enormous culture loss as a result of a 22-year long civil war. Traditional tribal culture is also diminishing because of a large migration out to the suburbs. Although the African values still hold strong, the Portuguese culture has a strong influence on the Angolan culture since the Portuguese were the reigning power for quite some time. Differing largely from American values, Kimbundu Culture takes a more “laid back” approach. The perspective is that time and accomplishments aren't rated nearly as high as hospitality and healthy relationships.
Sources:
http://www.imb.org/southern-africa/mbundu.htm
http://www.mwebafrica.com/hub/profiles/country.php?cnt=angola&cntid=51
Written by Matt Medvec