Drums are a very essential member of the percussion group of musical instruments. They are normally played by beating with the hand, or with one or two sticks with or without padding. Depending on the class of drum and the…
The Sambian Boy’s Initiation Rites
The Sambian people of Papua New Guinea practice one of the most bizarre cultures known to westernisation. So bizarre was this culture that a cultural anthropologist, Gilbert Herdt, described their ritual act of initiation as “ritualised homosexuality.” For clarity, the…
Black And Beautiful: A Look Into The Dance Moves Of “Black Is King”
Like gods, we have been summoned by the Queen of the beehive community to once again retee facts and make it crystal clear in colours, beauty and vibrant dance steps that are unquestionably warrior-like and fierce. The purpose is clear…
The Mystery Of The Osun-Oshogbo Grove: Romance Between Nature And Culture
The historical antecedent of “Oshogbo” tells the story of a hunter who saved his people from famine and slavery, turned to the river Osun goddess for help, would later establish a community along the bank of the river and which…
The Eradication Of Tribal Marks In Nigeria
When Bola walked into the class, the first thing the children noticed was the tribal mark on her face. At first, they ignored her, but later, they asked if her dad has a dog that bit her. She told them…
Exploring The Cultural Taste Buds Of Nigeria
“Good food is very often, even most often, simple food.” ― Anthony Bourdain The soul to our culture is tucked in between spices and the delicacy of the local kitchen. These Traditional cuisines, like many oral traditions, have been passed…
Eukonkanto: The Wife-Carrying Competition In Finland
You may have come across several “strange” cultural practices; some would grip you with fear, while others would leave you astonished. The Eukonkanto or Wife-carrying competition in Finland falls into the latter category. Strange as it might sound, Eukonkanto or…
“Black Is King” Is A Celebration Of African Tradition
On Friday, 31st of July, Beyonce released her third visual album “Black Is King” exclusively on the streaming platform, Disney+. The film serves as a visual companion to the 2019 album “The Lion King: The Gift,” a tie-in album curated…
Appreciating The Cultural/Historical Aesthetics Of Ile-Ife To The Yorùbá Race
Ifẹ̀ Oòdáyé, Ilẹ̀ òwúrọ̀. Ibi ojúmọ́ rere gbé ń mọ́ wáyé. (Translation) Ifẹ̀ Oòdáyé. The ancient land Where the breaking of the day began Between 1910 and 1912, Leo Viktor Frobenius (1873 –1938), a renowned ethnologist and archaeologist worked on…
Why Ubumuntu Arts Festival Would Be Virtual In 2020 – Hope Azeda
Hope Azeda is a known face in the arts scene in Rwanda and East Africa for close to two decades. She is unarguably one of the leading figures in contemporary Rwandan theatre scene. Azeda is the founder (amongst other official…