In the early seventeenth century, or thereabouts, a group of Bantu people from the Luba Empire in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) embarked on a migration which lasted many decades.

Travelling through dense rainy forests, open grasslands, valleys and wetlands, the migrants looked for a safe, fertile and habitable areas to establish their countries there.

They crossed the Luapula River into what is known today as Ushiland. They were led by Muwe, and his son Chabala. After that crossing they helped other "tribes" to cross - namely the Bemba, the Lunda and even the Bene Mukuni.

The generosity of these people gave them a name which they still hold today, as aBaushi, meaning to help cross.

Towards the end of October through early November, when the water levels of the Luapula River drop, the Ushi reincarnate this historical journey in a special ceremony called "iChabuka Ne Sandulula", where they cross the Luapula River from the DR Congo, in Matanda Chiefdom.

Present at the Ceremony are all the Ushi Chiefs, other traditional leaders from DR Congo and the rest of the Zambia, including thousands of spectators who come to witness the river crossing.

The sight of people crossing the Luapula River in a human chain, leaves everyone awestruck and profoundly shocked.