Shangali

Shangali or Mangi Shangali Ndesserua Kombe (c. 1870s–1950s), also called Mangi Shangali of Machame (Mangi Shangali in Kichagga; Mfalme Shangali in Swahili), was a well-known monarch of the Chaga in the second half of the 19th century. He was the son of Mangi Ndesserua of Machame and a king of the Chagga. Mangi means king in Kichagga.

Rise and reign Shangali was Nuya of Machame's firstborn child. When Shangali's brother Mangi Ngamini went into exile in 1889, his mother and his uncle Nassua became his regents after his half-brother Mangi Ngamini's exile in 1889. Shagali was introduced as the Mangi of Machame in August 1890. Legend has it that Nagamini was never the true Mangi because Ndesserua had willed the kingdom to him when he looked into the baby's face upon seeing signs of his own blood when Shangali was born. This story has been handed down generations.

Shangali was recognized as chief in 1890, primarily due to the practical assistance of Mangi Sina as well as the support of Nassua and Nuya. His acceptance as king coincided with the transition to German administration, which ratified his position. Had the German authorities been firmly established just fourteen months earlier, they would have likely recognized Mangi Ngamini as king, potentially altering the historical trajectory of the region.