SHEMBE, Isaia (Isaiah)

(1867-1935)

   Zulu religious leader, healer and founder of the AMA-NAZARITES the largest independent religious movement among the Zulus. Regarded as God by many of his own people, Isaia Shembe is usually spoken of as a PROPHET by Europeans but this designation was vigorously denied by his son Amos and grandson Londa. His writings and sayings have been translated by Londa Shembe as The Prayers and Writings of the Servant of Sorrows Thumekile Isaiah Shembe making them the first SCRIPTURES of a NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT in Africa to appear in English.