Have you attended a Yoruba Owambe before?
I began to live in the Southwestern part of Nigeria 6 months ago courtesy of work.
Prior to this time, I've only visited Lagos twice.
Yoruba is so rich in culture, art and beauty. I've always longed to partake and witness this first hand.
On Instagram are lots of videos and pictures of weddings and events in Yoruba land. The glamour and splendor so alluring.
I had an opportunity to attend one of these occasions over the weekend and I hugged it tight.
I got ready before 7am as the people I was going with had to stop over at the hotel where the couple spent their night, to take pictures with the couple.
I wore a really simple attire because I didn't know what to expect.
After the photo sessions, we went to the engagement venue.
The program began with the moderator saying things in Yoruba which I didn't understand. They sang native songs, said words of hype and adoration whilst hitting the talking drum.
It was amazing to watch the charismatic dance of the women.
The Groom's men were adorned in white agbada and their matching caps.
Before the groom and his men entered the engagement hall, they had to drop some offerings. I asked someone besides me what it meant and he said "they are going with the groom to plead for the bride's hand in marriage. Whoever wears the cap pays more."
All the while, I was outside the venue but I got Inquisitive to see how the pleading was done.
The groom and his men were ushered in amidst praise and adoration. Some words were said, questions asked like "oko iyawo (Groom) are you okay physically, spiritually etc", of which he answered "mo wa okay" (I am Okay).
They said a series of things which I couldn't understand for language barrier and next, the groom and his men in their full regalia were on the floor, prostrating to the Bride's parents. That was amazing to see.
A few other words were said and it was time to usher in the bride and her train.
They were dressed so glamorously and danced their best.
I came for the groom and had to exit the hall for more elderly persons to sit as it was filled to the brim. I went to the reception hall, which was connected to the hall for the engagement and could hear everything through the speakers.
I saw people I knew and scarcely recognized them, their attire and made up face made them extra beautiful, beyond immediate recognition.
I got distracted trying to greet my friends and co-workers but a line got my attention; the minister had just charged the couple and while praying told the lady to repeat after him saying "my bumbum is for my husband alone". Nice prayer point馃槅
After the engagement, the couple went to change to their reception outfit, a suit for the groom and white wedding gown for the bride as oppose to the traditional regalia they had on earlier.
The band played good traditional music to usher in the families of the couple, bride's first, then groom. While the DJ rocked the hall with top Naija jams as the couple were ushered in. The groom tried to out-dance the bride (of course, my friend can dance馃榿), the bride had her friends who hyped her and rocked the dance floor along with her.
At this point, it was 3:30pm. I had a meeting for 4pm and I had to leave.
Lest I forget, food and drinks were served before the occasion started 馃榿
If I'd stayed more, I'd have enjoyed the event even more.
It was an amazing experience.
The engagement party is what we Igbos will regard as Traditional wedding and the concept is entirely different but beautiful.
They said a good Yoruba man will fit me, I don't even care about tribes 馃槀
I have a few pictures I took of myself, didn't quite capture the event on camera but soon the pictures and videos will be released to the media.
With a TDH man, a Yoruba angel
With another fine man
The couple of the day
With the groom's men
