Understanding the poem ‘Kumukanda’ by Kayo Chingonyi

'Kumukanda' was written by Kayo Chingonyi, a Zambian poet who moved to the UK when he was six. 'Kumukanda' means initiation, referring to a ceremony marking the transition from boy to man in the Luvale tribe. The speaker (seemingly Chingonyi) didn’t take part in this initiation so would be considered "unfinished" by his tribe. The speaker reflects on how he grew up in other ways, particularly caring for his dying mother. Stanza three sees the speaker think about feelings of connection and disconnection to his Zambian roots and ancestors.