African Masquerade Festivals with Ajofia Nnewi and Egungun Masquerade

African masquerades are an essential element of the continent's cultural heritage. They are a representation of the continent's diverse cultural identities, history, and spirituality. African Masquerade is steeped in mystery and a touch of intrigue. Its strength lies in the ability to create an atmosphere of deep cultural connection using it's dance step, music instrument or incantations to hold onlookers spell bound.

Every African knows a masquerade when they see one. They dance extremely well, scare off women and children, and always exit the stage when the applause is at its peak. Leaving the crowd wanting more. They come in an assortment of shapes, sizes and colors.

If you are a foreigner and it is your first time of seeing any African masquerade, be rest assured you would most likely be griped with fear and may misinterpret what they represent in today's fast-paced world, where technology often dictates our interactions. But, I want you to understand that some African masquerades are objects of great entertainment. It is a sort of homage to the traditions and customs of our ancestors.

They may come in different shapes, sizes, costumes and colours, but hold significant meanings. Everything on an African masquerade is significant and clearly thought out to represent cultural pride and heritage.

Many cultures believe that they represent the ancestors while some believe they are gods. Whatever the case, they are believed to be mystical and hold related powers, hence should be respected.

Ajofia Nnewi

We will talk about one of the most gigantic masquerade in west Africa Ajofia Nnewi, which literally means evil forest. A highly respected cultural symbol among the Igbo people of Nigeria in West Africa. The masquerade of all masquerades. Whenever it comes out every other masquerade withdrawals back. In this masquerade dwells myths and legends. Believed to have been created by the supernatural powers of Ndi Ichie and imbuing spiritual energy and a powerful connection to the ancestors. In Igbo mythology the masquerade is seen as a connecting spiritual force between the living and the ancestors, with a power to protect and bless.

The masquerade is not seen in every festival as it only known to perform important rites and rituals. The masquerade itself is a stunning beauty of artistry and craftsmanship as it is adorned with colourful feathers, beads and other decorative elements. The most interesting thing about the masquerade is its own music. Ajofia Nnewi music creates a transcendental meditation in your though pattern. The cosmic voice leads you into a journey to the universe of Igbo philosophy, laced with proverbial prophecies to enhance your consciousness. Ajofia Nnewi music is like a fibre that connects one to some cosmic forces, more like sitting with your ancestors and reflecting on the complexities of human society. Accompanied with occasional ringing of bells and flute Ajofia Nnewi music holds a calabash of wisdom in Igbo religious cosmology.

Ajofia Nnewi is the greatest of all, distinguishable by it's appearance. When Ajofia dress it is colorful. When it dance, it is graceful. When it speak, it speak in language we understand. Ajofia Nnewi is an iconic masquerade referred as Nnukwu mmawu(gigantic masquerade) in Igbo land.

Egungun Masquerade

The Egungun are representatives of the ancestors of the Yoruba lands which assures the people that the dead are remembered and have a place amongst the living. The word Egungun means masquerade. The masqueraders are believed to be chosen by the gods, who give them special powers of communicating with the dead and pleasing the ancestors.

The festival commences when the Chief priest of the Egungun invokes the spirit of the ancestors, and dance in brightly coloured elaborate masquerades accompanied by drumming and singing, as they morph into the ancestral spirits.

Egungun is a visible manifestation of the spirits of departed ancestors who periodically revisit the human community for remembrance, celebration, and blessings. It is a unique cultural tradition practiced by the Yoruba of West Africa and their descendants in the African Diaspora, particularly in Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Barbados, and the United States. These spirits constantly bless, protect, warn, and punish their earthly relatives depending on how their relatives neglect or honor them.

The appearance of Egungun in a community is invariably accompanied by pomp and pageantry, drumming and dancing, singing and celebration. The ensuing festival goes on for several days and strengthens the bonds that unite families and communities with departed ancestors. The costumes are constructed of disparate fabrics, both locally woven and industrially manufactured, in addition to metal, beads, leather, bones, and potent empowering materials. Today the fabrics chosen are literally the best that money can buy, and include damask, velvet, silk, Indian madras, and printed cotton. These masquerade performances are often accompanied by the swirling of fabrics and colors, augmented by intricate body movements and carefully orchestrated dance steps. At best, Egungun is both a fanciful parade and a concrete manifestation of the acrobatic displays of spirit in motion.

Egungun festival carries a metaphorical message and the performances are not just for entertainment. Each dance and gesture is laden with symbolism that portrays the wisdom, virtues and life lessons imparted by the ancestors. The Egungun masquerades are the physical embodiments of the collective wisdom of those before us.

Pluritongue Fact Of The day:
Ijele Masquerade is the biggest Masquerade in Sub-Saharan Africa, a tradition of the Igbo people of Nigeria and was listed in the UNESCO Archives as an intangible cultural element in need of urgent safeguarding.