In Zimbabwe, a Shona marriage is negotiated before it is celebrated. Roora, the bride price process, is when the groom’s family formally asks for the bride and pays a series of gifts and amounts to her family. It is a long, ritual-filled day, and for many families it carries more weight than the church wedding that may follow. Here is how roora works.
The munyai, the go-between
The groom’s family does not negotiate face to face at first. They appoint a munyai, a go-between who carries messages and payments between the two sides. A good munyai knows the customs, speaks well and stays calm when the bride’s family raises the price. On the day, the munyai usually sits at the centre of the room, and the groom’s family may wait outside until called.
A series of payments
Roora is not one figure but a list of named items. There are small payments to open the conversation and to “open the mouth” of the bride’s family, followed by the main bride price, often called rusambo. Among the best known is mombe yeumai, a cow for the bride’s mother in recognition of raising her. Many families also expect clothing for the bride’s parents and gifts for other relatives.
The bride’s family may impose small fines for perceived breaches of etiquette, such as the groom’s family arriving late or the groom being seen with the bride before marriage. These are part of the theatre of the day and are usually settled with good humour.
Cattle and cash
As with lobola in South Africa, payments were traditionally counted in cattle. Today many families agree a cash value per cow, and some accept part of the roora in instalments. It is common for the full amount not to be paid on the first day.
The bride’s role
The bride is usually kept apart during the negotiation, often with her aunts. At a key moment she may be called to confirm that she knows the groom and accepts the proposal. Her aunt, vatete, is an important adviser throughout.
Planning tips
- Choose your munyai carefully. Experience matters more than seniority.
- Ask the bride’s family in advance which items are expected, so there are no surprises.
- Bring cash in small denominations for the many small payments.
- Budget for food and gifts as well as the main bride price.
Once roora is accepted, the families celebrate together and the couple are recognised as married under custom. Many then hold a white wedding, sometimes months later, but for the families, roora is the day the bond is sealed.
Roora: common questions
What is roora?
Roora is the Shona bride price process in Zimbabwe, when the groom’s family asks for the bride and pays a series of gifts and amounts. Read more about roora.
Who is the munyai in roora?
The munyai is the go-between who carries messages and payments between the two families.
What is mombe yeumai?
Mombe yeumai is the cow for the bride’s mother, given in recognition of raising her.
