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NIGERIA TO THE WORLD: The Rich Culture Of The Yoruba People



Meet the Yoruba—one of Africa’s biggest and most influential ethnic groups! Mostly found in Southwestern Nigeria, with communities in Benin and Togo, they speak Yoruba, one of the most widely spoken Niger-Congo languages. 

Where It All Began

• Yoruba origins are traced to Ile-Ife, the “spiritual homeland” of the Yoruba and the cradle of their civilization.
• Legend says the first Yoruba king, Odùduwà, began his rule here. His descendants later founded major Yoruba kingdoms.
• The Oyo Empire soon became the political powerhouse under the Alaafin of Oyo, ruling with military strength and influence (yes, even in the transatlantic slave trade era).

Today, most Yoruba people are Christians or Muslims, but traditional beliefs still live strongly in everyday life.
They believe in: Olodumare/Olorun – the Supreme God, Orisa(Orisha), Ogun – god of iron and war, Shango – god of thunder, fire & justice, Esu – divine messenger & trickster, Àṣẹ (Ase) – the spiritual energy that makes things happen. The Yoruba people are also known for their arts and creativity. Some famous creations include: Ife bronze and terracotta heads – realistic ancient sculptures, beaded royal crowns (Ade) with veils and glass beads, carved wooden masks, palace doors, drums & stools, Aso-Oke fabric, Adire tie-dye cloth, and Ofi textiles, Dundun (talking drum) and Bata drums—they literally "talk" through rhythm!.

Some food common to the Yoruba people varies from spicy to savory, Yoruba cuisine is simply unforgettable, we have the Amala, Iyan (pounded yam), Fufu, Egusi, Efo Riro, Ewedu, Okra soup, Moin-Moin (bean pudding), Akara (bean cakes), Ofada rice and the Rice & beans combo = Ewa (simple but legendary!) 

A Yoruba wedding (ÃŒgbéyàwó) is not just a ceremony—it’s a festival of music, dance, food, and family!  Before the main wedding, the groom’s family visits the bride’s family formally. This is where the families get to know each other, discuss intentions, and set a date for the traditional wedding. The Yoruba take immense pride in their attire, for which they are well known. They also believe that different occasions require different clothing outfits. Typically, the Yoruba have a very wide range of materials used to make clothing, the most basic being the Aá¹£o-Oke. Other clothing materials include but are not limited to: Ofi, Aran and Adirẹ. For the bride’s attire; she typically wears Iro and Buba, Gele (headwrap), Komole dresses, adorned with beads, bangles, and a head tie (gele or Ipele). Aso-Ebi – matching outfits worn by friends & family during celebrations. The groom wears agbada (flowing robe), a matching cap (fila), and often carries a staff for elegance. He may also wear beads and accessories to symbolize royalty. 

 

The groom usually performs the act of prostration led by his friends multiple times during the ceremony before he is permitted to take his sit and receive the bride formally. While the bride is covered with a veil during the ceremony as a sign of dignity, honor and respect. But before the bride goes to her husband's house, she is escorted by family and friends to the door step of her new home in a ritual called Ekun Iyawomeaning 'The cry of the new bride'.

 

Yoruba music is world-famous for its talking drums, chants, and rhythms. The dundun drum can mimic human speech. Dance is energetic, expressive, and full of meaning! 

The Yoruba people are best known for creating a strong economy through farming, trading and art production. Their outstanding and unique artistic traditions include woodcarving, sculpture, metal work, textiles and beadwork.  



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