Allow me to take you on a short journey of a tribe in the remarkable continent of Africa. This magnificent land is a tapestry of laughter, joy, and awe-inspiring natural wonders. It is my ancestral home, the place from which I proudly hail. Africa, where the lion’s mighty roar echoes through the jungle, symbolising strength and majesty. The rich tapestry of culture, the legacy of our ancestors, and the breathtaking beauty of the lush landscapes and boundless oceans bring boundless joy and laughter. Often, I find myself pondering the unfathomable beauty of this continent, surpassing the limits of my imagination. It is a journey of the heart.
As I sit comfortably on my new, lovely blue couch in my new home in a beautiful city in the Northern Part of England. The arrival of summer brings warmth and sunshine after months of winter, followed by spring and autumn. Finally, the sun graces us with its presence. Yet, memories of Africa linger—the radiant beauty, the golden sunsets. Yoruba is a tribe in Nigeria, the most populated country in Africa. As a Yoruba woman who grew up in a loving family of six, my culture held great significance. The family tie, and the siblings’ love, are of great importance which reflects in our society. The language, the cuisine—everything I yearn for at this very moment. One of the beautiful thing about Yoruba tribe, is the family heritage. In Africa, the family holds a special place of importance. We learn to fight, forgive, tolerate, respect, support, and above all, love one another. Allow me to share a brief story from my childhood. I was the eldest of my mother’s four children . As a young Yoruba girl, I held a deep love for our cultural dances and traditional attire. Participating in cultural day activities was always a joyous occasion for me. One of my favorite things to do was to dance in traditional attire adorned with an ancient horsetail insignia called “irukere” in the Yoruba language. The anticipation and excitement in my heart, whenever news of a cultural dance event reached me, were immeasurable. I couldn’t wait to share the news with my parents, especially my dad, who would playfully tease me and ask me to dance the traditional steps while he sang along. I would enthusiastically jump up, stomp my feet on the ground, and wiggle my little buttocks as I gracefully danced, holding the horsetail in my hand. The laughter and joy that the beauty of the horsetail and attire brought forth were beyond measure.
During every cultural day event, my parents would be present to watch me dance, and I can vividly recall the radiant smiles on their faces as I took the stage. I would dance alongside my schoolmates, believing in my heart that I was the best dancer. Yes, I was indeed a skilled and beautiful dancer back then. It’s a mystery how those dancing skills faded away as I grew older. The vibrant attire, the handmade traditional flat shoes, the beads adorning my neck—such captivating beauty to behold.
There is a Yoruba proverb that says, “A child who forgot home has simply postponed days of suffering.” African culture revolves around peaceful communities, unity, and love. I could go on and on about the beauty of my culture, but I will pause for now. Rest assured, I will return to share more about the other fascinating tribes in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. With pride, I embrace the title of Mama Africa.
Now, I would love to hear from you. Would you like to share details on what you enjoy the most about your tribe or culture? Please leave a comment below and feel free to provide stories and details about your most memorable cultural day. We would be delighted to read and receive your stories. Until the next episode, farewell.
The Seun Lapace 