Úbò Form: Úbò is an oval shaped instrument that takes the form of a calabash spilt into two and carved with precision . úbò or úbò-aka has 8 metal strings/ keys which are strapped to a wooden soundboard and then hammered onto a half calabash. History: Known to be the oldest musical instrument in…
Among the Edo (Benin) people of Southern Nigeria, spiritual belief and cosmology form a richly layered system of meanings that shape how life, death, and destiny are understood. Within this worldview exists the enigmatic figure known as Ọfọe, often described as the “Edo mystical messenger of death.” Ọfọe represents the spiritual force responsible for conveying…
Language forms the backbone of cultural identity, communal memory, and historical continuity. Among the numerous linguistic groups in Nigeria, the Kalabari people of Rivers State stand out as one of the most culturally rich subgroups of the Ijaw ethnic nationality. The Kalabari language, often classified as an Ijaw dialect, is central to the people’s identity,…
When people talk about mystical power, cultural pride, and traditional music in Igboland, Chief Pericoma Okoye’s name rises like a legend. Known widely as “the Lion of Arondizuogu,” Pericoma wasn’t just a musician, he was a custodian of tradition, a spiritual figure, and a storyteller whose voice carried the weight of an entire culture. His…
Place Ndizuogu
Onwa gburu anyị anyị anyị e na-agba egwu( When the moon shines, we dance). Joy follows, illumination and the community thrives when the night is bright. On clear tropical nights, when the full moon (Onwa Ojii) bathed Igbo villages in silver light, children and youths gathered in village squares, singing, clapping, and playing traditional games.…
The Agbeji Masquerade is a very special masquerade from the Enugu-Ezike community in Enugu State, Nigeria. It is unique because it is one of the few female masquerades in Igbo culture. Most Igbo masquerades are male and represent spirits, ancestors, or warriors. However, Agbeji is different. It is feminine, dances gracefully, and is known for…
Place Enugu-Ezike
In the heart of Isuikwuato LGA, Abia State, lies an ancient and unyielding tradition that governs the lives of its young men, a sacred law that demands respect, lest it unleash fatal consequences upon an entire family. Among the Oguduasaa people, it is considered a grave taboo for an unmarried man to impregnate a woman…
Place Isuikwuato
The Ekpe society, also known as Okonko, is a secretive cultural institution originating among the Ejagham people of southeastern Nigeria. Through its unique blend of ritual, governance, and symbolism, the Ekpe society became a vital force in the social, economic, and political life of the region. Its influence expanded significantly due to the Aro people,…