Owambe is a large grandiose party thrown by Nigerians anywhere in the world, especially Yoruba Nigerians, that involves a lot of food, loud music, dancing and ‘spraying’ Nigerian term which means throwing currencies on someone dancing.
For a culturally diverse African country like Nigeria, there is something all cultures have in common parties! Over time, parties have been an integral part of Nigeria. Though parties used to hold occasionally, they are quite done regularly now. Today, every weekend is incomplete in Nigeria without a party.
Owambe is attended by many people and they are usually grouped according to their ‘aso ebi’ (family wears) which may come in different fabrics, colours and designs. The preparation of Owambe takes days and sometimes weeks or months. These parties are usually characterized by a portrayal of extravagance, show of luxury, lavish spending, colour, extravaganza, paparazzi, lots of food, music, dance, networking, among others.
Though Owambe has become a Nigerian thing, it is particularly prevalent among the Yoruba people. The name Owambe which literally means ‘it is there’ sprang up among the Yorubas of Western Nigeria. An Owambe does not lack the presence of numerous guests, both the invited and uninvited (Mogbo Moya). During an owambe, there is also the presence of currency notes flying around and sticking to the sweating heads of musicians and dancers.
At a typical Nigerian owambe, food flows in abundance. Varieties of foods are usually served but the signature dish at any owambe is jollof rice. Some people will even say the success of a party hinges on how tasty the Jollof rice is, and this is very true. While the emphasis is being made on foods, an owambe is not complete without huge chunks of beef, fish, chicken, etc. You might need a ‘little connection’ though to be served food at some owambes.
No party is complete without the ‘mo gbo, mo yas’ (Uninvited but I came). If you have ever attended an owambe, you must have probably noticed certain people whose outfits are in contrast with others. Some of these people actually party without receiving invitations. When you ask them about their relationship with the host, the response is usually something like “I’m a friend to the brother of the host’s aunty’s cousin’s sister’s nephew’s mother’s sister.”
Everything needed on the D-day must have been provided beforehand. This glamorous kind of party is known to always block streets and main roads, especially in Ibadan and Lagos.
Can anything take away the love of owambes from the hearts of Nigerians? Probably nothing. Nigerian parties have evolved into millions of Naira industry with event vendors raking millions every weekend.
More so, it is safe to say that owambes are very expensive social events but the prestige and ego it gives Nigerians are unmatched, so when planning your next party, consider these factors, and also note that moderation is key.
