Kickboxing is a major sport in many parts of the world especially in Asia, Europe and America. It is a group of stand-up combat sports based on kicking and punching, historically developed from karate mixed with boxing.
In Northern Nigeria West Africa, there is a local version of kickboxing known as DAMBE. It is mainly confined to the northern part of the country because only the Hausa people who are mainly found in there partake in it, including the Hausa speaking part of Southern Niger Republic and southwestern Chad Republic play the sport. The sport historically developed from Kokuwa which is another form of local wrestling some few decades ago. Right now it has surpassed Kokuwa in popularity and fame in the entire region. Of note is that majority, if not all the fighters of Dambe are illiterates who's only form of education is the crude Quranic schools they attended under a tree. In addition, they are either butchers by occupation or the children of butchers. It will be safe to say that the sport is not for the elites in the society but for the poor and the downtrodden illiterates. Every Dambe tournament is played outdoors and has a company of local ceremonies along side Hausa praise singers who ginger the fans watching a match to spray mint Naira notes when a winner emerges.
Kebbi and Zamfara States in Northern Nigeria are known to have produced famous fighters who dominated the sport over the years. Such fighters as Shika, Kugiya, Kisa Horror, and Jafaru Kurt. While other states as Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto and Jigawa states have also produced not too popular fighters. However, Dambe will become very popular in the later States than Zamfara and Kebbi.
So far, Dambe is the most dangerous and deadly sport not only in Northern Nigeria, but in the entire country. This is so because it has produced too many casualties as well as deaths over the years. The number for deaths recorded during major encounters between famous and the not too famous fighters has risen concerns from certain quarters of the society, but such concerns were not heeded due to the cultural and traditional values attached to it.
Although there are no formal weight classes, usually competitors in Dambe matches are fairly matched in size.
Matches last three rounds. There is no time limit to these rounds. Instead, they end when: 1) there is no activity, 2) one of the participants or an official calls a halt, or 3) a participant's hand, knee, or body touches the ground. Knocking the opponent down is called killing the opponent.
The primary weapon is the strong-side fist. The strong-side fist, known as the spear, is wrapped in a piece of cloth covered by tightly knotted cord. Some boxers dip their spear in sticky resin mixed with bits of broken glass. This however, became an illegal practice. The lead hand, called the shield, is held with the open palm facing toward the opponent. The lead hand can be used to grab or hold as required.
The lead leg is often wrapped in a chain, and the chain-wrapped leg is then used for both offense and defense. The unwrapped back leg can also be used to kick. Because wrestling used to be allowed, and the goal of the game is to cause the opponent to fall down, kicks are more common than they used to be.
Considering the culture, traditional value and the nature of the people, Dambe is solely a male dominated sports. The only exception to the unwritten rule was said to be one Female from Niger Republic known as Togo Lisa, who had the gal and audacity to fight opposite male opponents before she eventually left the spots and joined the Nigerien Army.
Rumors has it that the major stars use charms and portions gotten from marabout to apply it on their striking hands as a potent to crush an opponent forever. That without the charms, amulets and the patronage of marabout, it will be nearly impossible for the major fighters to dominate the sport for such a long time. Unconfirmed stories that has been going over the years concerning the deaths of other deadly fighters is that Kugiya went to the great beyond from a deadly strike from Shika during one of their last and famous encounter. While Kisa Horror layed Jafaru Kura to final rest with a killer strike as well. The deaths were alleged to be caused by a superior portions applied to the hands of their opponents.
Despite the negativity attached to Dambe, most state governors in Northern Nigeria have coopted the sport into its States ministry of youth and sports such that it's takes the center stages during sports festivals. This move made it possible for some of the famous fighters to be approached by the states to be employed on contractual bases with a yearly fee between 500,000 to 2 million Naira depending on popularity and fame of a fighter. The attitude of the governors have given credence to the deadly sport while also putting it's critics to eternal silence.
So anytime you happen to find yourself in Northern Nigeria, remember to ask where Dambe tournament is taking place, for you to go and have your share of the fun and horror typically found at such sports. While you are there don't forget to also watch and listen to gyrations of the music from local musicians singing praises to spur the Hausa warriors for the kill with their War terminologies.
