The Kingdom of Luba (1585–1889), which emerged in the marshy grasslands of the Upemba Depression in what is now southern Congo around 1585, initially began as a kingdom. Over time, through a combination of conquests, strategic marriages, and alliances, it expanded its territory and influence, eventually transforming into a significant empire. This growth in territory and power allowed the Luba state to elevate its status from a kingdom to an empire.
| Tenure | Incumbent | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1585 | Foundation of the Luba kingdom | ||
| c. 1585 to c. 1620[1] | Kongolo, muLopwe | A powerful warrior who subjugated several local chiefdoms and created the first Luba empire.[2] | |
| c. 1620 to c. 1640 | Ilunga Kalala, muLopwe | Son of Kongolo. He was a great warrior who extended the Luba kingdom. This caused Kongolo to become jealous and he attempted to have Kalala killed, but failed. Kalala defeated his father Kongolo in war and founded the second Luba empire in c. 1620. | |
| c. 1640 to c. 1650 | Kasongo Mwine Kibanza, muLopwe | ||
| c. 1650 to c. 1670 | Ngoi Sanza, muLopwe | ||
| c. 1670 to c. 1685 | Kasongo Kabundulu, muLopwe | ||
| c. 1685 to c. 1700 | Kumwimba, muLopwe | ||
| c. 1700 to c. 1715 | Kasongo Bonswe, muLopwe | ||
| c. 1715 to c. 1740 | Mwine Kombe Dai, muLopwe | ||
| c. 1740 to c. 1742 | Kadilo, muLopwe | ||
| c. 1742 to c. 1749 | Kekenya, muLopwe | ||
| c. 1749 to c. 1769 | Kaumbo, muLopwe | ||
| c. 1769 to c. 1780 | Miketo or Nkongolo Mwamba, muLopwe | ||
| c. 1780 to 1809 | Ilunga Sunga or Ilunga Maniema Nsungu, muLopwe | ||
| c. 1800 to ???? | Kasongo Mukaya, muLopwe | In rebellion | |
| 1809 to 1837 | Kumwimba Ngombe, muLopwe | ||
| 1837 | Ndai Mujinga or Ndaye Muzinga, muLopwe | Usurper | |
| 1837 to 1864 | Ilunga Kabale, muLopwe | ||
| 1864 to 1865 | Muloba or Maloba Konkola, muLopwe | ||
| 1865 to 1869 | Kitamba, muLopwe | ||
| 1869 to 1886 | Kasongo a Kalombo, muLopwe | ||
| 1886 to 1889 | Nday a Mande, muLopwe | ||
| Division into two royal lineages | |||
| Kasongo Lineage | |||
| 1889 to October 1917 | Kasong'wa Nyembo, muLopwe | ||
| 1917 to 1935 | Umpafu Ilunga Kumwimba, muLopwe | ||
| 1935 to 1957 | Ilunga Kisuku, muLopwe | ||
| 1957 to 1964 | Kasongo wa Nyembo, muLopwe | ||
| 1964 to 1964 | Kisula Ngoy, muLopwe | ||
| Kabongo Lineage | |||
| 1942 | Maniema Nilemba Boniface , muLopwe | ||
| 1948 | Maniema Boniface Kalowa, muLopwe (Ilunga Balowa Boniface) (Dibwe Kalowa Boniface) | ||
| October 1960 to c1980 | Kabongo Maniema Dibwe, muLopwe | ||
| c1980 to 2000s? | Kumwimba Kabongo Kansh'imbu, muLopwe | ||
| House of South-Kasai | |||
| 1959-2015 | Albert I (Albert Kalonji Ditunga) Mulopwe | His Imperial Majesty Emperor Albert I The first elected Luba Emperor, Albert I, was elected Mulopwe by the Luba nobility and notables in March 1959. In 1960, Albert Kalonji member of the Luba nobility and heir to clan-Chief Edmond Mukanya became President of the Luba State of South-Kasai. A year later, in 1961, the nobility and his government voted to have the autonomous state become a federated monarchy. Albert I then became the first constitutional monarch in Luba history. Albert is also remembered as one of the fathers of the Congolese independence he died in 2015. members of his direct and extended family currently live in the DRC, Belgium and Luxemburg. | |