Malumbe is one of the tutelary divinities of the Ila, named in the graded scheme of their spiritual beings alongside Sikaumpa of Baambwe and Simunenga of Maala. Little narrative is preserved of the figure beyond its rank: like the other community shades, Malumbe stands above the many family mizhimo and below Bulongo, the archmuzimu of the whole land, with Leza supreme over all. The name marks one more of the local guardian ancestors through whom particular Ila communities kept their bond with the unseen powers.