Talking Drums to 21st-Century Parties: The History Behind Owanbe

Parties

Colorful, loud, and joyous. His music and the irreplaceably catchy slang made the term Owanbe a national one, being used to describe any large gathering, from weddings to birthdays to corporate events and literally everything in between. Over time, it evolved from being a specific reference to waist beads to a term that covered a whole party vibe, one teeming with life, color, and, of course, music.

Owanbe Today

The Celebration Chronicles

Now, Owanbe is a term used for any in vogue, memorable celebration in Nigeria. It has become illustrative not only of a kind of party but of the culture of celebration itself.

It's a phrase that's used when making plans for parties, for huge gatherings where the anchors are music, verses, and fashion. These events are usually held in tribute to milestones be it for a wedding, an anniversary, a big accomplishment or, just because it's a good talk about your life.

In the present day, an Owanbe cannot be without an upbeat, loud day party sound blasting through a sound system, courtesy of a live band or DJ, usually of the Juju, Afrobeat, or Highlife genre.

Guests naturally dress to the nines, and the fashion is always a sight to behold, with many guests choosing to wear more traditional clothing like the Yoruba aso ebi (family or group outfits). And, naturally, no dance floor can be void of people, even if the only dancing is a foot shuffling reveal of your very best hand wiggle, the Talking Drum continues its steady rhythm (metaphorically speaking, at least).

Owanbe is a Nigerian term that can be interpreted as an event or ceremony, often a party.

Owanbe, an event celebrating the Yoruba traditions, has become a culture of pride and togetherness. For the Yoruba people, it is a manifestation of a vibrant history and a passion for song and celebration.

In addition to being a name for a party, Owanbe can be described as the holding up and sharing of our brothers and our sisters, together, to celebrate the important milestones and moments in life.

However, in contrast to its pronunciation, which originated from adornment, specifically from waist beads or artists alike with the Talking Drum, the intentions today put behind the use of the term are much broader. It's a celebration of togetherness, dancing to the song of your life, and lifelong memories.

The Legacy of Owanbe

Owanbe would still be a crucial aspect of Nigerian socials, whether you are attending a wedding, a birthday bash, or any event with a morale boost. Next time you find yourself at an Owanbe, which you will remember that the pulse of the Talking Drum was an integral player in the age-old barter that would birth this thing we now refer to as it.