About Linos Wengara
My name is Linos Wengara Magaya, and I serve as a traditional healer (Svikiro) who specializes in traditional Zimbabwean natural remedies, with a focus on herbalism and spiritual healing. Currently, I am based in the United Kingdom. In alignment with the customs of my homeland, I am respectfully referred to as Sekuru/Rabbi Ngara by my clients and fellow practitioners. This title reflects my cultural heritage and signifies my connection to my lineage totem, Nungu, which translates to porcupine. This totem embodies qualities of resilience, ancestral protection, and a profound connection to the earth principles that are central to my healing practice.
I was born in 1975 in Kadoma, Zimbabwe, a town renowned for its rich cultural heritage and traditional practices. Growing up in a spiritually oriented family, I was immersed in the customs and rituals that shape our heritage. My training occurred in the sacred landscapes of Mhondoro, where I was mentored by my uncle, Daveson Wellington Magunje, and my father, Lancelot Shambamuto Magaya. My uncle was not only a highly skilled traditional healer but also an esteemed practitioner of herbalism, possessing a profound understanding of the spiritual dimensions of healing. Additionally, he was a professional Mbira player, celebrated for his performances of traditional Zimbabwean music, and he imparted this knowledge to his family and many others. My father, Lancelot, also a traditional healer, taught me about our family lineage and the significance of our ancestral connections. His guidance provided a deeper understanding of my totem, Nungu, Ngara Zimuto.
Following Daveson’s passing, I found solace in music and established an Mbira and Marimba band focused on Zimbabwean spiritual music, performing with instruments such as the Mbira, Marimba, Hosho, and Ngoma. The Mbira, a traditional thumb piano, serves as a sacred tool during ceremonies, facilitating a connection with ancestral spirits. This instrument has been central to all my traditional performances, which have taken place across various venues including community gatherings and hotels, with a primary focus on spiritual ceremonies for fellow traditional healers in Kadoma and Mhondoro. Through these experiences, I have gained valuable insights into diverse healing practices, rituals, and teachings, which have greatly enriched my understanding of spiritual healing.
After two years in Kadoma, my band and I relocated to Harare, the vibrant capital of Zimbabwe, in pursuit of broader opportunities and audiences. This transition presented various challenges; however, our commitment ultimately led to recognition among local healers, allowing us to perform at their ceremonies. These events provided invaluable connections with healers who became lifelong mentors. A significant influence on my practice in Harare was Mbuya Siphelani Mudarikwa, known by her totem, Soko (Monkey or Baboon). Her healing skills closely resembled those of my late uncle, Daveson, and she not only introduced me to new healing methodologies but also conducted my first baptism ceremony, thereby solidifying our spiritual relationship.
Under Mbuya Soko's mentorship, my uncle Cephas Magunje, Daveson’s son, reminded me of wise counsel imparted by Daveson: in his absence, we should seek guidance from a healer named Tsenge, who also shares the Soko totem and is renowned for his powerful healing abilities. Tsenge became my final spiritual teacher, guiding me on my journey to becoming a healer. The teachings from Daveson, Mbuya Soko, Tsenge, and several esteemed healers I observed during ceremonies have collectively enriched my healing knowledge. Unfortunately, Uncle Tsenge passed away in 2015 while I was in the UK, preventing me from attending his funeral. However, his legacy of profound teachings continues to inspire me and many others who were fortunate to learn from him. It is this blend of learning, loss, and legacy that I aspire to share through my work.
Since 1998, I have been living and practicing as a traditional healer and herbalist in Brighton, UK. In addition to my healing work, I am a singer-songwriter, performing with my band, Zimbaremabwe Mbira Vibes. Our music is deeply rooted in Zimbabwean cultural traditions, and I am recognized for my proficiency in playing the Mbira. I hold a Master's degree in Professional Musicianship from BIMM (British and Irish Modern Music) University in Brighton, UK. I firmly believe that Zimbabwean traditional music and healing are intricately linked, and I aim to inspire fellow Zimbabweans to embrace and celebrate these vital aspects of our rich cultural heritage.
With over 25 years of dedicated practice, I have cultivated the knowledge and patience necessary to identify which plants and herbal preparations are most effective for addressing specific physiological and spiritual ailments. I am firmly committed to providing holistic care that addresses both physical and spiritual dimensions of healing.