Have you ever stepped into the world of a Yoruba party? Picture this: a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, a symphony of music and beats that make your feet move involuntarily, an array of delicious food, and an atmosphere dripping with glam and elegance. If you’ve been lucky enough to attend a Nigerian party, especially one hosted by the Yoruba tribe, you know exactly what we’re talking about. These extravagant celebrations are often affectionately termed “owambe” in Nigeria.
The Yoruba community is renowned for knowing how to throw a grand party at any given chance. Celebrating a new year? Throw a party. Bidding farewell to a loved one? Another reason to celebrate. In fact, for Yoruba people, any occasion is the perfect excuse to host a lavish gathering. They know how to have a good time, and their events reflect their fun-loving and posh nature.
Now, let’s talk about a recent Yoruba extravaganza that left everyone in awe—the burial party of Wizkid’s mother. Wizkid, a global music icon, lost his mother in August, and the final day of the elaborate burial ceremonies was nothing short of a spectacle.
Yoruba culture hails from the Western part of Nigeria, and their events are characterized by a ‘loud appearance’, which translates into a rich display of opulence and luxury. A typical Yoruba party is a feast for the eyes, a battleground for the best-dressed guests, and a dazzling showcase of gold jewelry—so much gold that you might need shades to take it all in!
If you’ve seen the videos making rounds on X (formerly known as Twitter), you’d understand. Women and men adorned in colorful outfits and glistening jewelry grace the event. The gold game is strong, especially among the women, whose style and drip are always on point. The recent burial ceremony of Wizkid’s mother was no different, and the Grammy-winning artist’s sisters stole the spotlight with their impeccable makeup and massive gold jewelry.
One thing is guaranteed at a Yoruba party: a good time. The air is filled with the rich rhythms of Fuji music, an integral part of Yoruba culture. The beats compel you to move, to ‘komole’, to let loose and enjoy the moment. K1 The Ultimate’s performance at the burial ceremony had everyone dancing and grooving, including BBN All-Stars housemates, Mercy Eke and Kim Oprah, who embraced the rhythm despite not being Yoruba.
A critical aspect of attending a Yoruba owambe is dressing to the nines, following the color codes, and flaunting your best style. At Wizkid’s party, women dazzled in a shiny light petal orange hue, while the men rocked all-white ensembles.
Food is an essential part of the Yoruba party experience, though we didn’t get a glimpse of the spread at Wizkid’s owambe. However, it’s safe to say that a Yoruba gathering would be overflowing with traditional delights like amala, ewedu, gbegiri, and an array of sumptuous proteins.
In conclusion, if you ever get the chance to attend a Yoruba owambe, seize it. Immerse yourself in the colors, the beats, the flavors, and the glam. Yoruba events are the epitome of celebration, and making connections with Yoruba folks ensures you don’t miss out on the true essence of an unforgettable owambe experience!