00:00Every week, young Zambian couples celebrate weddings, whether through traditional ceremonies or modern Western-style events.
00:08But for many, the dream of marriage feels increasingly out of reach.
00:13Bride price has long been a symbol of gratitude, unity and cultural heritage in Zambia.
00:19Traditionally, it represented respect and family bonds.
00:23Today, however, many argue that the practice has become commercialized, placing a heavy financial burden on young couples.
00:32The bride price, the Rwola, is just too expensive these days.
00:37And you pay for Rwola and then they also want a wedding.
00:42All those things are too expensive and a newly wedded couple.
00:48You need a lot of finances just to get yourself a step up.
00:51And right now, it's just too expensive for me, economy-wise.
00:55Beyond paying the bride price, couples must also cover the cost of elaborate ceremonies.
01:02The ripple effects are significant.
01:04Delayed marriages, family disputes and even long-term debt.
01:09Mubanga Dennis Kawe, who successfully negotiated a lower bride price, believes reforms are necessary.
01:16So I feel it should as well be dependent on how the groom or the bride feels to say,
01:23OK, maybe I should celebrate this person more or say thank you more in this way.
01:29And not it being fixed to say, oh, you need to pay $10,000, you need to pay $20,000, $100,000 and all.
01:37Traditional leaders have joined the debate.
01:39Recently, Zambia's House of Chiefs called for clear regulations, warning that commercialization is eroding the cultural meaning of Lwola.
01:50In the past, what they used to do was that they could maybe just ask you to go, especially the groom,
01:59to go and clear the fields, to cut the trees in a field, you know, to the parents, to the in-laws,
02:08the parents of the woman one intended or wanted to marry.
02:13They did that to show that the man who wanted to marry their daughter was going to be able to work
02:21and take care of their daughter because he was not a lazy man.
02:26On the streets, opinions are divided. Some argue regulation would help. Others insist families should decide.
02:34I think bride price should not be regulated.
02:38When it comes to the issue of paying salamu and bride price, as we call it in English,
02:46it's something to do with the family.
02:49And I feel when the government comes in, it might be a problem.
02:54It should actually be regulated. Looking at how commercialized it has become now,
03:00I believe it should be reduced because we have to maintain the values that we're behind establishing that.
03:06Bride price is not meant to be commercialized.
03:09Even when families are suggesting the bride price, they are not supposed to put a price that is commercial,
03:17that will come out like it's commercialized.
03:18It should be reduced because if it is done that way, you will see a lot of young men marry.
03:24They will marry genuinely. They will be genuine love.
03:27They will be understanding.
03:28And there will be something to do with the parents being peaceful and polite.
03:35Young Zambians are searching for balance,
03:38preserving tradition without turning marriage into a financial burden.
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