“Owanbe” or “Owambe” is a big, extravagant celebration hosted by Nigerians that includes lots of food, dancing, loud music, and spraying (the Nigerian practice of throwing money on a dancing person); it is regarded as a method of praising the celebrant.
Owanbes include extremely expensive party supplies, bags, trinkets, matching shoes, etc. One practice that has endured and even appears to be spreading like wildfire among Nigerians is the Owanbe custom. Aso-ebi, juju/fuji music, a variety of foods, and a lot of alcohol are essential elements of a good Owanbe party.
Social activities are one of our most common points of connection as a nation with a diverse cultural population like Nigeria. The lavish celebrations known as owambe parties were first held by the Yoruba people of Western Nigeria. Owambe is successful in bringing together individuals from many ethnic backgrounds to enjoy joy, food, dancing, and music. These celebrations include marriages, anniversaries, namings, coronations, installations, and house-warmings. In modern Nigeria, a weekend is not complete without an owambe party.
Here are a few characteristics of Nigerian Owambe parties.
Loud music and colorful “Aso-ebi”
Owambe greets a number of visitors as oud music plays in the background. The visitors are organized by their aso-ebi, a collection of identical garments worn to make the celebration colorful and occasionally for identification. The aso-ebi may be made of lace, aso-oke, or ankara. Every Owambe has an intriguing component known as the aso-ebi tradition. It in particular decides the advantages a party will provide for you.
Food! Food!! and more Food!!!
Undoubtedly, food plays a significant role in every Owambe party, particularly the jollof rice. Even some Nigerians assert that the flavor of the jollof rice determines whether a party is a success. Jollof rice is frequently served with meat or poultry, Moi Moi, salad, and fried rice. Semovita, Pounded Yam/Poundo, Amala and Ewedu, and other popular Owambe meals are also available. Ewa-agoyin, a unique bean preparation, grilled fish and beef, and little chops have recently won the hearts of many Owambe devotees.
Uninvited Guests
Because they were not invited nor near to the celebrants, these groups of people dress differently.
The Party Never ends!
Depending on the type of celebration, hosting a successful Owambe can requires weeks or months of preparation. In Lagos State, Nigeria, a traditional owambe could last for two to three days. Consider a wedding: the introduction and engagement take place on the first day, while the white/Islamic wedding and celebration take place on the second. Owambe burial rituals are observed in accordance with tribe or customary requirements. Depending on the age and status of the deceased, people from the East/Southern region of Nigeria, for example, are known to hold funeral ceremonies for three to seven days. Regardless of how long the event lasts, organizers make sure that attendees leave happy and sharing juicy details of what happened.