Man Travels Four Days By Bicycle From Lusaka To Chipata To Meet Paramount Chief Mpezeni.
James Falanga, popularly known as "One Yeye Matalanta," made a remarkable journey from Lusaka to Chipata on his tall bicycle, covering the distance over the span of four days. His dream was to meet the esteemed Paramount Chief, Mpezeni IV, and the journey was one of both physical challenge and community support.
During his journey through steep hills, James relied on energy drinks, bananas, and sweets for sustenance, explaining that while he ate nshima at lodges to rest, consuming it during the ride would have been too exhausting and made him feel lazy. One Yeye Matalanta revealed that the most challenging part of his trip was navigating the “malupili” the steep hills that characterize the road to Chipata and that despite the discomfort caused by his tall bike and the occasional mechanical issues, such as a loose trunk and chain, James persevered.
“As soon as I decided to meet Chief Mpezeni, people began supporting me. It made the journey much easier,” he said. He explained that along the way, the positive feedback and financial support he received from people traveling to the N’cwala ceremony in Chipata kept his spirits high, adding that villagers provided encouragement and even took photos with him and his unique bicycle.
One Yeye Matalanta said he documented his entire journey, counting 573 mountains along the way, tracking the kilometers, and sharing regular updates with his followers, including his departure from Lusaka at 14:00 hours and his location at all times. Despite the challenges, he credits the support from his followers and the calls he received throughout his journey as major sources of motivation.
“If it weren’t for my social media community, I might have given up,” he admitted. One Yeye Matalanta, aka James, hopes to leverage his growing online presence, which has been fueled by the attention drawn by his distinctive tall bicycle that has become a popular tourist attraction, to increase his income and build a sustainable future for himself.
In an interview with ICU TV, he appealed to the government for support, specifically requesting land to establish a training center where he can teach young people in his community how to ride tall bicycles and acquire a skill to earn a living. As the founder of this unique sport in the region, One Yeye Matalanta believes that providing a dedicated space for training could help foster both physical and economic growth.
He hopes that with support from the government and other stakeholders, the youth will benefit from this opportunity, helping to create a legacy that lasts for generations. James’s journey from Lusaka to Chipata is a testament to resilience, community support, and the power of social media in driving positive change. As he looks ahead to the future, he remains hopeful that his passion for tall bicycles and his commitment to youth development will bring lasting benefits to those around him.