If there’s one thing the men of Mpali have taught us, it’s that when it comes to love… one woman is rarely enough. Welcome to Part One of our three-part series unpacking romance, Mpali-style. And we begin with the most controversial subject of them all: polygamy.

Rule #1: If you’re going to multiply, do it like Nguzu

Let’s start with the King of “the more, the merrier”: Nguzu. For him, polygamy isn’t confusion; it’s culture, structure, and (in his mind) leadership. He believes in expanding the family tree the traditional way. The problem? The younger generation and his nemesis are not studying the manual properly. They are copying the lifestyle but forgetting the real responsibility. What they call “growing their love life” often looks more like cheating with extra steps.

Rule #2: Don’t be a “King Solomon” without wisdom

Alexander, affectionately nicknamed “King Solomon,” is Nguzu’s modern-day nemesis. Wanting Monde and then breaking up with her after blackmail. Marrying Lindiwe. And still drooling over Mwiza. Enter Sepiso, who firmly believes she is the rightful queen of Alex’s kingdom. And let’s not forget his late first wife, the mother of the twins. That’s not polygamy. Could that qualify to be an emotional traffic jam?

Rule #3: If you’re going to juggle, don’t drop Tamara

Shadreck, Nguzu’s namesake and Beenzu’s son, has clearly inherited the family appetite for complicated love. With Tamara by his side, after the chaos she caused at the farm and eventually endured because of him, he now wants Nuru too. Asking both women for love like it’s a community project? So bold, risky and very Mpali!

Rule #4: Don’t revisit old flames while starting new ones

Frank, Nguzu’s sometimes right-hand man, was once serious with Nuru before she left him for the cult. Now he’s with Twaambo? Not forgetting he is the ex-husband of Mwanida, Nguzu’s only daughter. Is this strategy or confusion?

Rule #5: Learn from the father (or don’t)

Hambe has loved Chola and Chibale and has children with both women. Betrayal and secrets followed, eventually landing him in prison. As for Jairos? He tried following Nguzu’s footsteps too: fathering a child with Sandra, marrying Chipego and Chellah… and still struggling to balance his household.

Final Lesson Polygamy, Mpali-style, requires honesty, emotional intelligence, and serious leadership as we have sometimes seen from Nguzu. Without that? It’s just drama upon drama!

Men of Mpali, we’re watching you!

📺 Mpali airs on Zambezi Magic, DStv Channel 162 and GOtv Channel 3, Thursdays and Fridays at 20:00.