Owambe is a Yoruba word that refers to a party or celebration. In Nigeria, owambe is a very popular way to celebrate life milestones, such as births, marriages, and religious festivals.
If you’ve ever been to an Nigerian owambe, then you know that they are full of color, music, and dancing. But what you may not know is that there are certain etiquette rules that should be followed when attending one.
In this blog post, I will talk about the ins and outs of Nigerian owambe parties. From what to wear to what to expect, read on for everything you need to know about attending an owambe in Nigeria.
What is Owambe?
In Nigeria, an Owambe is a kind of party, often done in weekends. It is usually a lavish affair, with expensive food and drink, and sometimes even live music. The hosts often hire a professional caterer, and the guests are expected to dress up in their finest clothes.
The word "Owambe" comes from the Yoruba language, and it literally means "coming together". In Nigerian culture, Owambe parties are seen as a way to come together and have fun, while also showing off one's wealth and status.
While they are often associated with the wealthy elite, Owambe parties can be thrown by anyone who can afford to do so. They are usually held on weekends, and many people use them as an opportunity to catch up with friends and family members whom they haven't seen in a while.
If you have been invited to an Owambe party, it is considered impolite to decline the invitation. Even if you don't know the hosts very well, or if you're not particularly interested in the event, it is still better to go than to stay home. This is because refusing an invitation to an Owambe party can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect.
What to wear to Owambe
When attending an Owambe, it is important to dress in your best clothes. This includes traditional African clothing as well as Western-style clothing. It is also important to be well-groomed and to wear makeup and jewelry that compliment your outfit.
What to expect at Owambe
If you've never been to an Owambe before, or even if you have, it's always good to know what to expect! Here are some things you can expect at an Owambe in Nigeria:
There will be a lot of people. Owambe is a very social event and everyone is there to have a good time.
The music will be loud and there will be a lot of dancing. If you don't like to dance, that's okay - just find a spot to stand where you won't be in the way and enjoy watching everyone else having fun!
There will be plenty of food and drink. Most Owambe parties will have a buffet set up with all kinds of Nigerian food, as well as soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
You should dress your best! Owambe is all about showing off your style, so make sure you wear something that looks great.
How to enjoy Owambe
- Ensure you get a good outfit, preferably traditional (lace) or asoebi. English attire is also fine
- Arrive there like 30mins later than the expected event. Because trust me, 'African man time' applies to Owambe
- Choose a seat where you can get a good view of what is happening better still anywhere in the middle of the hall is better.
- Don't forget your invitation card
- Eat and drink to your fill, but don't consume much alcohol so you don't loose home training
- Make good friends and keep in touch with them.
- Make sure to make memories by taking plenty pictures and videos.