Family · Life · Love

We Gyrate Till Day Break!…

jacquelineobyikocha

Naija party

Most Nigerians I know love to have a good party or what we Lasgidi people (I was once a Lagos babe, so I am always a Lagos babe) call Owambe, where you will wiggle your waist to vibrant music till the wee hours of the morning.

The social scenery is such a robust one with all manners of lavish events going on every weekend from child dedication, to birthday party, weddings (always tops the list) anniversaries, burial ceremonies and so on.

We do not do these things in half measures and even a man whose pockets are to let by society standards, will still manage to put something together that will bring his neighours gathering.

If I were to put an owambe together for my closest one, my husband or my mother, out of all the countries that I have visited, I would still choose to have my party in Naija. We know how to rock it well!

Our parties are never small, so we generously prepare for lots of guests (even uninvited ones who will tag along).

You need a large enough space to accommodate all and sundry that will gather to celebrate with you.

Our parties are most times preceded with a church thanksgiving depending on the occasion, before everybody convenes at the party venue.

Of course, the Dee-Jay would have the music on a spin with a good mix that will bring most people to their feet and in between dancing, small chops, drinks, party favours are handed out.

We also sew elaborate or buy very glamourous outfits to suit these occasions and the jolliness is usually infectious.

We never bother with RSVP because we always make sure that Rice and Stew is Very Plenty! (Just spoke it with my pidgin accent on my mind)

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

Quick Glossary for words that you may not know:

Lasigidi – A nickname for the city of Lagos state, Nigeria.

Owambe – A Yoruba word which means ”it (party) is happening here.”

Naija: Naija is another name for Nigeria, the patriotic name for Nigerians to show their strength and smartness.

Image courtesy: Nairaland.

The Daily Post prompt RSVP

Plan the ultimate celebration for the person you’re closest to, and tell us about it. Where is it? Who’s there? What’s served? What happens?

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Published by jacquelineobyikocha

A wordsmith with a vivid imagination, an eager mind and a burning desire to carve out tales. As I journey with my muse to that land of all possibilities and self discovery, I hope my personal evolution will serve as a beacon of inspiration for anyone who chooses to stop by.

27 thoughts on “We Gyrate Till Day Break!…”

  4. My friend’s husband is also from Nigeria and she shares similar stories. I think everyone with African roots know how to throw a big party and gyrate til mawnin’ (in my native Bahamian slang), my husband who’s Belgian, was shocked and a bit overwhelmed at our family gatherings. There was food a plenty, music, and people thick at peas. lol! The poor soul sometimes needed a day or two to recover from it all. But thing is, in a day or two there was another something happening, a wedding, funeral, birthday or just someone feelin’ dey pockets.
    *Mawnin= Daybreak
    *Feelin’ dey pockets= in the mood for celebrating.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. You have African roots so it’s in our DNA to throw these big fun parties. I can imagine your husband putting up his feet and fanning himself in a bid to catch his breath. A lot of my friends who are married to Westerners have indoctrinated their better halves into our ways 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  12. This cracked me up, with each line I shook my head up and down in agreement and laughed.

    There aint no party like a Naija party, we know how to rock like there’s no tomorrow. With each person trying to outdo the other, wanting their own party to outshine the last one.

    Indeed, RSVP- Rice and Stew is Very Plenty! XD

    Well written Jacqueline!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

I love it when you decorate my heart with your words..

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