The captivating story of Muea, a vibrant town in the heart of the Fako Region, unravels a treasured legend, tucked away within the very essence of its name. Known as “Moya,” a departure from the commonly heard but incorrect “Moonya,” the name of this lively community carries a narrative deeply embedded in the rich fabric of history and cultural connections.

According to one account, the story begins with Nakanga Ngale, a fearless hunter hailing from Bomboko, whose expedition led him to the bountiful landscapes along the riverside. To prepare his triumphant game haul for the journey back to Bomboko, Nakanga set up a hut where he carefully processed the entrails of his prized catches.

Enter Bakweri Lesson 101:

“meya” in Mopkwe signifies entrails or animal intestines, and “liwondo” translates to hut. Liwondo La Meya, the hut for processing entrails, became a distinct landmark guiding fellow hunters to the game-rich “Jonji” riverside.

The significance of Liwondo La Meya cannot be overstated. It served as a geolocation that directed other hunters to the abundant spot. Discovering Liwondo La Meya meant finding the renowned Njonji riverside, celebrated not only for its abundance of game but also as a central marketplace for offal, primarily animal intestines. The marketplace earned the name “Eluwa La Meya” (Eluwa Meya) in Bakweri, and the surrounding areas collectively became known as Muea.

What’s in the Name?

Here’s where the tale takes an intriguing turn with the possible convergence of German and Mopkwe influences. In German, the pronunciation of the letter “Y” takes the form of “ue” (the U umlaut). Now, let’s weave a linguistic enchantment: substitute the letter “Y” in the Mopkwe word “Meya” with the German U umlaut. The result? “Meuea.” Try pronouncing it, and you’ll sense the seamless transition from the initial “e” to a clear “Muea.” Voila! A linguistic fusion that beautifully blends the cultural richness and historical crossroads of Muea, a town whose name resonates with the stories of its spirited past. Phew!