Mande · Nigeria’s peoples

Shanga

The Shanga (Shangawa) are an Eastern Mande people closely related to the Kyenga, from whom they split in the early 19th century when Kaoje was overrun.

See the Shanga on the map

At a glance

Where do the Shanga people live?: Their homeland is in Shanga in Kebbi State, across 1 local government area.
What language do the Shanga speak?: Shanga, a language of the Mande family (Mande › Eastern Mande).

Overview

The Shanga (Shangawa) are an Eastern Mande people closely related to the Kyenga, from whom they split in the early 19th century when Kaoje was overrun. They live in villages around Shanga town on the north bank of the Niger in Kebbi State. Many, perhaps most, now speak Hausa as their first language.^[2],[1],[3]Medium confidence

Where the Shanga live

Local government areas by state. Homeland: the group is the majority. Shared area: a large share of a mixed area. Smaller presence: present, but a small share.

Kebbi
- Shanga(Homeland)

Areas are approximate and show where people live. They are not claims of land ownership.

Communities beyond the homeland

Shanga

Shanga, Kebbi State.^[2],[4]High confidence

The Shanga live in villages around Shanga town on the north bank of the Niger. They split from the Kyenga in the early 19th century, when Kaoje was overrun; many now speak Hausa first.^[2]

Language

Shanga, a language of the Mande family (Mande › Eastern Mande).^[1]High confidence

Sources

Every claim carries a confidence level: high (well attested), medium (one source or approximate) or disputed (sources disagree).