Within the former Kongo Empire, Lemba was one of the several schools of initiation. It has always been present within the empire since its very beginning. This would go back to at least 800 years. Eight centuries in which it evolved, passing from generation to generation and playing different functions. When it operated in the socio-economic field, it was defined as a Nkisi wa bundisa mazandu na Mahata. It was also considered as a N'kisi wa Bundisa Ma kanda ma Bantu, or a Nkisi wa yaadila, when it was political and was operating as a force for unity and for the resolution of differences through dialogue. Finally, when it remained spiritual, it was the art of inner tranquillity: N'kisi wa lembikissa Mitima mia bantu.

During colonization, Lemba went through a critical period. Considered as a dangerous secret society, it was banished. The Belgians first, in 1924, in their colony of Congo-Belgium, and the French later, in 1930 in Middle Congo. Lemba survived this dark period with the determination of the initiates who continued to practice and transmit it in silence.

Today, the tradition is being refurbished and renewed. Its framework has remained intact for centuries, and a work of reinterpretation is being carried out. Today's renewed Lemba, therefore, collects all the old versions, which it structures and adapts to today's taste. It proves to be an effective and stable spiritual tradition of inner development.