Damu Nyeusi's name means Dark Blood in Swahili He was originally named Jua Angavu (Bright Sun). As a cub, he was abused by his lion pride's leader, Mwiba (Thorn). Jua Angavu left at a younger age, looking for a new pride. He encounters a mysterious black lion. The black lion had green acid dripping from oddly colored wounds. The black lion lunged at Jua Angavu and clawed him. Jua Angavu's eyes were torn out, blood pouring out. He found an over sized vulture skull to cover his wounds. His wounds started dripping acid and his claws grew, much longer than usual. Jua Angavu discovered that his claws held boomslang venom. He conquered 20 prides and combined those prides together. He renamed himself Damu Nyuesi, since he killed anyone who defied him.