The Tera people or Terawa are an ethnic group of people, originally who are immigrants purported to have began their journey from a town today estimated to be in Yemen, then through the deserts of the Sahara through Egypt and Sudan. They travelled together with groups like Kanuri, Bolewa, Waja, Jukun, Babur and Bari as well as Fulani people into the region of North Eastern Nigeria today.

The Terawa prior to their current settlement resided in Borno area around the Chad basin. The Tera people  left the Chad Basin area with Jukun into Gombe area, probably around 900-1000AD due to some political crisis over ownership of land and the questioning the legitimacy of the reign of Mai Ali Gaji, the then Mai of Borno in the El Kanemi Dynasty, in the year approximated at 1484. Some ethnic legend of Terawa people believed that they left Chad Basin when the Kanuri's were transferring their capital from Kanem to Ngarzargamu under Mai Ali Gaji. There were undertones of clashes over farmstead ownership and cattle grazing lands, hence they left Bornu.

After that, the Tera proceeded west to their present location, passing through Babur and Bura, their distant cousins before coming into Gombe area, which today is Gombe State. Terawa were among the early occupants of Gombe area before the establishment of Gombe Emirate, they occupied settlements at the banks of River Gongola, such as Gwani, Hinna, Liji, Kalshingi, Zambuk, Bage, Kurba, Doho, Deba etc. Today however, they are a minority tribe within the Gombe Emirate due to the establishment of the Emirate that lead to an influx of Hausa/Fulani cultures, under Sokoto Caliphate through the Holy Jihad led by Uthman Dan Fodio which spread Islam to the lands of today's Northern Nigeria.

Terawa people have a very colourful and beautiful culture. Their festivals, like every other culture in Nigeria is vividly seen in their festivals and celebrations. Terawa culture is well displayed during Sallah Durbar as well as other ceremonies and feasts like weddings, coronations, farming and fishing festivals.

The Ngorda dance is one of such cultures of the Terawa people. It is a dance characterized by precise steps, elegant poses and gentle pacing, also vibrant and dynamic that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Terawa people.Before the dance begins, the participants gather at a designated area, usually an open space or a village square. The dancers, adorned in colorful traditional attire with the men wearing intricately designed shirts and pants, while the women don beautiful blouses and wrappers with variations of white, blue, black and yellow colours.

The Ngorda dance is accompanied by lively music played on traditional instruments, such as the kalangu (talking drum), ganga (drum), and kwarya (small drum). The rhythmic beats of the drums create an electrifying atmosphere, setting the tone for the energetic dance. The music begins in a gentle and soothing tune, then the tempo increases to a faster rhythm.

The Ngorda dance is characterized by gentle and precise steps, with males at the lead followed by females, then rapid, energetic movements that showcase the dancers' agility and coordination. The dance involves a series of intricate steps, including:

• Quick footwork, with dancers moving their feet rapidly in different directions.
• Body isolations, where dancers move specific parts of their body, such as their hips, arms, or torso.
• Leaps and jumps, adding a dynamic element to the dance.
• Spins and turns, showcasing the dancers' flexibility and balance.The dancers form a semicircle or a line, depending on the specific variation of the dance. The leader of the dance holds a staff. As they dance, they interact with each other through eye contact, touches, gestures, and movements. The dancers also engage with the audience, inviting them to participate and join in the celebration.

The Ngorda dance is not just a physical expression but also an emotional one. The dancers convey a range of emotions through their movements, from joy and happiness to intensity and passion. The dance is a way for the Tera people to express themselves, tell stories, and connect with their heritage.

The Ngorda dance of the Terawa people is a vibrant and captivating traditional dance that showcases the community's rich cultural heritage. With its energetic movements, lively music, and emotional expression, the dance is a true celebration of Tera culture and tradition.

References

Blench, Roger (2019). An Atlas of Nigerian Languages (4th ed.). Cambridge: Kay Williamson Educational Foundation.

Abdullahi Arawa, Abubakar (2017). "The Eastern Origin of Tangale, Bolewa, Waja and Tera Groups of Gombe State: A Critique". Gombe Journal of General Studies. 1.