The histories of an enlightened ruler: Malam Muhamman Bitemya Sambo, Garbosa II of Donga, Central Nigeria

Journal article

Muhamman Bitemya Sambo (1902-82), who became Garbosa II, the seventh Gara Donga (1931-82), took more than thirty years to complete a history of his own Chamba people in 1956, Labarun Chambawa da Al’Amurransu. Garbosa II’s successor, together with representatives of his descendants, have graciously permitted an English translation to be published. This essay introduces that English version, provides it with context, and addresses the challenges of translation.

Resume: Muhamman Bitemya Sambo (1902-82), devenu Garbosa II, le septième Gara Donga (1931-82), a travaillé pendant plus de trente ans pour compléter une histoire de son propre peuple Chamba en 1956, Labarun Chambawa da Al’Amurransu. Le successeur de Garbosa II, ainsi que les représentants de ses descendants, ont gracieusement autorisé la publication d’une traduction anglaise. Cet essai presente cette version anglaise, lui fournit un context et aborde les défis de la traduction.

Hausa: Muhamman Bitemya Sambo (1902-82), wanda ya zama Garbosa II, Gara Donga na bakwai (1931-82), ya yi fiye da shekara talatin kafin ya gama rubutun tarihin Chambawa cikin 1956, watau Labarun Chambawa da Al’Amurransu. Mabiyin Garbosa II, tare de wakilan zuriyarsa, sun ba da izni a buga wata fassara zuwa harshen Ingilishi. Wannan mak'ala ta gabatar da wannan aikin fassara, ta ba da bayanin muhallinta, ta kuma tattauna wasu daga cikin wahalolin fassarar.

Authors: Fardon, R; Furniss, G

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Vestiges: Traces of Record
• Journal: Vestiges: Traces of Record
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 28-61
• Place of publication: Oxford
• Publication date: 2021-10-04
• DOI: 10.5287/ora-mppd95ayk
• EISSN: 2058-1963
• Language: English
• Keywords: Garbosa II; Muhamman Bitemya Sambo (1902-82); Nigeria; Donga Chamba