Today was a fun filled day for the Berom people as they celebrated their yearly Nzem Berom festival which takes place on the month of April to May. Berom consist of 4 local government:Jos North,Jos South,Riyom and Barkin ladi.The Berom people are known for their farming skills.
Nzem Berom festival was celebrated in Jos today @Rwangpam stadium, Jos. This a festival that is celebrated to usher in the rain. It is a festival of thanksgiving to the gods of harvest. In this festival, there is an opportunity for both genders to get acquainted, discover themselves and choose husbands and wives. Every year a beauty queen(Zere Berom) is chosen from groups of pageants.
The paramount ruler Gbong gwom jos of Berom, His majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, is the head of the plateau state traditional council, he was present at the venue,guest,kings,dancers and noble people were also present.
They dressed in beautiful green and maroon colour attires(green represents the cactus which they use as fence in their houses while the maroon represents a local powder called tee).
I was told that the reason for decorating their body and face with tee is for protection and healing. They also adore themselves with beautiful mixed beads in colour green and maroon.
The warriors(suga) and guards all rocking in their outfit on their horses were not left out, they were also in their costume.
There was a lot of buying and selling going on as the festival was in top gear. some were selling beads and costumes, while others were selling spiritual items, delicious chicken coated with black bene seed called ridi and other different types of food and drinks.
There were different groups of dancers displaying various styles and amazing dance steps, acrobatics and choreographic moves but i couldn't get close enough for pictures.
The most delighting of all is the museum section. It was an amazing sight to behold as they had a lot of ancient artworks displayed, pictures of past governors were also displayed and samples of solid minerals mined in the city were also displayed to the delight of the people.
I was meant to understand the reason they use cactus plant around their houses. It is used to fence their houses because it survives drought with it's long tap root and ability to preserve moisture in arid land. It also has sharp blades to ward off intruders and reptiles.
At the entrance, there was a woman showing people how to use grinding stones to blend peppers, tomatoes and other food ingredients.
Another man displayed his locally constructed truck controlled remotely. It depicts their ingenuity and Agrarian revolution.
There was loud music,they sang and danced so joyously,everyone was happy including me.
The Governor and his entourage graced the festival.
Did I mention how stuffy the stadium was? It was so stuffy and cloudy but frenzy and exciting at the same time.
The flip side was the commotion and chaotic situation it caused.
Believe me when I say the warriors looks scary,standing beside him in mind I was like hey! be fast with the shotđ
I was not left out I took some pictures,a selfie with a beautiful lady.