In the context of the historical events surrounding the monarchy of Machame during the late 19th century, Nassua and his protégé, the young Shangali, son of Nuya, played significant roles.
During a series of raids by Mangi Sina of Kibosho, Nassua and Shangali sought refuge in the forest above Foo, while Nuya herself concealed her whereabouts across the Semira gorge in Nronga, a region significant to her family lineage.
[4] Following a third raid, Njama Nassua resolved to leverage his influence to negotiate a separate peace with the Mangi Sina, a move that simultaneously served his political aspirations for the throne of Machame.
Historical accounts suggest that Nassua had advised Sina on strategic routes for raiding the hiding places of the Machame, reflecting his complex relationship with the two Mangis, Ndesserua and Ngamini.
[9] In the late 19th century, Jama Nassua played a crucial role in the political dynamics of Machame during a period marked by conflict and shifting power.
[12] In a pivotal moment in 1890, Nassua successfully advocated for Shangali's recognition as the de facto mangi of Machame under his regency, a decision supported by the newly appointed German representative, von Eltz.
Nassua's adept political maneuvers, rooted in his lineage as a member of the ruling Kombe clan, positioned him as a key figure in shaping the future of the kingdom, ultimately facilitating the succession that would impact Machame for decades to come.
His political acumen allowed him to gauge public sentiment accurately, leading to the moniker "Ndansanya," meaning "You who have redeemed us from the descendants of Yansanya," a tribute to his actions that alleviated the community's suffering.
Under normal circumstances, Ngamini, as the reigning mangi, would have held these symbols, safeguarding them in the hut of his wise mother, Kekwe, who had been the most influential woman in Machame prior to Nuya's arrival.
The Nassua family maintained its prominence in the Kikafu basin for over a century, from the era of Mangi Rengua to 1960, navigating a complex relationship with local chiefs marked by both rivalry and alliance.
This decision, unusual among Chagga leaders, was influenced by his deep devotion to Nuya, the youngest wife of Ndesserua, who had previously forged a political alliance through marriage.
Notably, during times of dual leadership—such as the rivalries between Ndesserua and his half-brother Lyamari, or between Ngamini and the duo of Shangali and Nassua—all involved parties belonged to the Kombe clan.