All our articles

This article features the once-top natural relaxation spot in Lagos. It also details its transition to the now Eko Atlantic.

This essay tells of the myth of Ayelala, the Goddess of Justice who never tolerated crime. Read and be thrilled.

Yaa Asantewaa is a formidable female personality in Ghanaian history. This article delves into her life, the sociopolitical context of her time, her legendary leadership during the war, and her enduring legacy.

The history of Modjadji is one from the Balovedu tribe of South Africa. The article delves into the significance of this personage and her importance to the people of her tribe.

This article explores the Igbo concept of chi, or personal gods, and explains its role in traditional belief systems. It also highlights the significance of chi in shaping modern Igbo spirituality.

The Rimi, a tree that houses spirits?

Olumo Rock, located in Abeokuta, Nigeria, is a historic landmark and symbol of Egba resilience. The rock served as a refuge for the Egba people during 19th-century inter-tribal wars. Lisabi Garden, the Cave, and the Peak comprise Olumo Rock, each telling stories of Egba history and culture. Today, Olumo Rock represents the Egba people's unwavering determination and cultural heritage.

Nigeria's economy once thrived on agricultural exports, particularly cocoa and groundnuts. This article explores the rich history of these products and how they contributed to the country's economy before the oil boom.

The Article explores the tradition of Ashanti Umbrellas how they are made and their significance.

The topic IGIOGBE, focuses on succession in the native Bini Kingdom which transcended into the modern Benin Kingdom. This essay sheds light on the idea behind inheritance and the spiritual implication inclined with first born sons inheriting the IGIOGBE title.

The article explores the traditional plays of the Igbo culture and its impact on society.

Explore the rich history of Kente cloth, the intricate art of weaving by the Ashantis of Ghana, and the cultural significance, taboos, and traditions that surround this iconic textile.

The Ashanti Drum Language is an intricate communication system using drumming to convey messages across villages in parts of Ghana. Learn how drums speak through tonal rhythms and the cultural significance behind them.

Before the advent of modern law enforcement and judiciary systems, the Idoma tribe of Nigeria sought justice and guidance from their ancestral spirit, Alekwu, who is believed to ensure justice, peace, fairness, and prosperity. The Alekwu tradition is deeply rooted in their culture and is celebrated annually during the Eje-Alekwu festival, to honour the ancestral spirit.

The illustrious Mami Wata is a deity of great reach and many different faces. This article dives into the waters she visited and takes a look at the regional variations of her myth.

Iwas are spirits in the diasporic religion of Voudou. This article explores their journey over transatlantic waters to the Caribbeans where they finally settle into Haitian soil.

This article dives deep into the Ogbanje myth in Igbo culture, exploring how it spiritually affects families and helps them cope with infant mortality. It celebrates the myth's cultural richness, symbolic depth, and its portrayal in literature and scholarly discussions.

This article gives insight into the mythology of Queen Oronse and the birth of the Igogo Festival of the Owo People, in Ondo State, Nigeria

A'ko is an ancestral spirit, venerated as a god by the Gbagyi people. Gbagyi is one among the many ethnic groups that are domiciled in the Middle Belt of Nigeria, spilled within the North Central States of Niger, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa as well as Abuja, the nation's capital and also in the Northwestern State of Kaduna.

This article gives a captivating insight into the Durbar festival ceremony in Kano State of Nigeria. It includes captivating pictures of the ceremony.

Northern Nigeria before the advent of Islam practiced some form of animism, called Maguzanci or Bori. The belief is such that spirits exist among us and the practice of adorcism, which involves the traditions of music, dance, and other ritualistic practices that will invoke these spirits and cause them to possess persons. Spirits are invoked to possess people with the belief that they grant healing, fertility, strength, foresight, invincibility, knowledge, and understanding, among other supernatural gifts.

The topic of the transcendental Cwezi people of Uganda who existed thousands of years ago, is one that is filled with speculations and hypotheses. This article aims to shed light on the historical, cultural, religious, and mythical aspects of these conjectural beings, by delving into their origins, heritage, and attributes.

Zuma Rock, one of the most famous landmarks in Nigeria is known for its conspicuous face silhouette. In this article, we delve into the myths and legends surrounding this iconic rock.

This article gives an interesting insight of the seven wonders of Ado-Awaye town in Oyo State, Nigeria

This article features the Idanre town and the beautiful Idanre hill. It describes and explain the beauty and the mythology of the Idanre Hill.

The article delves into the myth and concept of the Yoruba spirits called, Abiku, (born to die). By exploring cultural concepts and modern perspectives, the article aims to shed more light on one of Africa's most enigmatic phenomenon.

This essay examines how rhythm is at the heart of African dance, and how it weaves a tapestry of movement that reflects the continent's rich and diverse cultures.

This article discusses the art of scarification of the Yoruba people, the types, and the origin.

Adire has been in existence for decades and it is more than a fashion statement, it tells the stories of our people and shows their way of life.

The boat regatta is a festival popular to people of the riverine communities in Nigeria. A regal festival of colors and dance that tells the story and shows the culture of the people.

This is an article that explores the rich mythology of the Efik people as well as their culture and tradition. It gives a narrative of their creation story, deity, mythical creatures, providing deep knowledge into their beliefs and values.

This essay is about the Ham tribe of Kaduna, their culture, and what they are known for.

Tracing the mathematical development from the Nile to the Niger reveals a rich heritage in Africa, with ancient civilizations like Egypt demonstrating advanced knowledge in geometry and arithmetic, while the empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai contributed to mathematics through manuscripts covering diverse fields. Despite colonial disruptions, contemporary initiatives aim to revive indigenous mathematical traditions, showcasing Africa's ongoing role in global mathematical discourse.

This is a story about one of the most powerful mythological creatures in Africa.

This is an article on the history and function of the famous Esan Igbabonelimhin masquerade and dance. It dives into how the masquerade not only serves as a means of entertainment but also its ritual functions.

It is about the history of Warfare and its evolution in Pre-colonial West African States through the revolutionary discovery of horses as weapons of war

This essay examines the Esan people's belief in the potency of herbs as a means of sustenance and bonding. It explores how herbs and the art of healing affects various aspects of their life and how it is their heritage.

This article explores the complex historical interplay between British colonialism and Yoruba society in Nigeria, shedding light on the transformative effects it had on governance, culture, and the economy. It underscores the enduring resilience of Yoruba culture, revealing how the community adeptly navigated the challenges of modernization and globalization while preserving its distinct identity.

The story is about the Yoruba people in Southwestern Nigeria who revere twins as magical beings representing fertility and prosperity. Twins are associated with an Orisa named Ibeji, and the Yoruba tradition includes creating a replica if one twin passes away. Twins are named Taiwo and Kehinde, with Kehinde considered the firstborn in the spiritual world. The Yoruba society celebrates twins as a source of great joy and good fortune, and some towns, like Igbo-Ora, are known for an unusually high number of twin births.

The essay explores the belief in spirits and ancestral spirits in Igbo mythology, highlighting their roles and interactions with the living. It emphasizes the enduring significance of these spiritual entities in Igbo culture, fostering a sense of connection, guidance, and unity within the community.

The Bantu dispersal across sub-Saharan Africa had a profound impact on the continent's culture, language, history, and education. The migration of the Bantu people influenced the formation of diverse societies, the spread of Bantu languages, the development of political entities, and the transmission of knowledge, leaving a lasting legacy on African heritage and contributions to the world.

The article explores the art and significance of Adinkra symbols in Ghanaian culture, highlighting their evolution as a form of writing and comparing them to the Nsibidi symbols used in Igbo Land, Nigeria.

This essay talks on the new yam festival which happens every year in Nigeria.

This is a study and investigation into the nature of diplomacy and international relations in the Pre-Colonial West Africa and how these earliest forms of diplomatic interactions with the outside played a huge part in state building and the balance of power among West African states from 1600-1800.

Hubert Ogunde, a visionary filmmaker born in Ososa Ijebu, Nigeria, revolutionized Nigerian cinema with his groundbreaking films and theatrical performances. Through his commitment to authentic storytelling, cultural preservation, and social change, Ogunde's legacy continues to inspire artists and audiences, leaving an enduring impact on Nigerian cinema and the wider world of film.

The article is about the Yorùbá God, Obatala, his influence, role, origin.

This essay explores the mythological journey of Oya, analyzing her significance, defining characteristics and cultural influences.

This passage highlights the emergence of Black feminism in Africa, particularly associated with Pan-Africanism. Women in Nigeria played pivotal roles in protests against colonial interference, giving rise to a formidable type of feminism. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a prominent figure in Nigerian feminism, founded the Abeokuta Ladies' Club and led major protests against women's taxation and the monarchy. Her activism extended to national and international levels, earning her honors and recognition for her relentless pursuit of women's rights and social justice.

Ohafia, located in Abia state, Nigeria, is an Ibo-speaking community with 26 villages, led by Elu as the capital. Renowned for its great warriors, Ohafia's age-grade system plays a crucial role in socializing members and engaging them in community projects. The traditional age-grade retirement ceremony, Ota-omu, fosters unity, economic growth, and respect among its members.

Temmy, a lover of fried plantain ("dodo"), had a bittersweet Sunday. Excited about a new movie series, she fried plantains to enjoy with it but got distracted and burned her hand. Despite the pain, she found comfort in eating the fried plantains and continued to cherish her obsession with this versatile Nigerian snack, which is loved by many due to its sweetness and rich nutrients like iron, Vitamins A, C, and B6, potassium, and magnesium.

The uniqueness of Yoruba orishas lies in their multifaceted nature, moral teachings, and connection to nature and human experiences. However, due to the influence of Abrahamic religions, they have been misunderstood, misinterpreted, and demonized. Recognizing and appreciating their complexity is vital for intercultural understanding and preserving Yoruba cultural heritage. Embracing religious diversity and interfaith dialogue can foster a more inclusive and respectful society, enabling a genuine appreciation of Yoruba spirituality.

The article praises Queen Iden of the ancient Benin Kingdom for her love and service to her husband, Oba Ewuakpe, during a turbulent time when he faced rejection and humiliation. Queen Iden's sacrifice, by offering her life to restore the people's loyalty to the monarchy, is considered heroic and marked a turning point in the kingdom's stability. The article highlights the significant role of women, like Queen Iden, in the evolution and development of pre-colonial Benin's socio-political culture, emphasizing their powerful virtues and influence.

The Eyo festival, also known as the Adamu Orisa Play, is a revered traditional Nigerian masquerade with deep cultural significance in the Yoruba community. Originating in the early 19th century in Lagos State, it evolved from the ancient practice of honoring deceased kings or chiefs. Unlike its secretive predecessor, the Oro festival, the Eyo festival is performed openly and attracts spectators from all walks of life. Symbolizing unity, it purifies the city, honors ancestors, and plays a vital role in the coronation of a new Oba (King). This festival's impact extends beyond Nigeria, promoting tourism, boosting the economy, and preserving Yoruba culture and heritage worldwide.

Nigeria's rich cultural heritage includes myths, legends, and folklore. The Yoruba myth of creation, "Olodumare and the Seven Orishas," reflects Yoruba cosmology, philosophy, and cultural values, emphasizing cooperation, diversity, and community. It portrays Olodumare as the supreme god and the Seven Orishas as intermediaries between humans and the divine. This myth provides insight into Yoruba traditions and beliefs, highlighting their reverence for creativity, wisdom, and protection.

The origin of the Igbo people is rooted in their culture and religion, which involve the worship of deities like Chukwu, Ala, Chi, Amadioha, Ikenga, Idemmili, Ekwensu, and Anyanwu. These deities play important roles in their lives and rituals. Despite the adoption of Christianity, the worship of deities still persists in Igbo culture, shaping their beliefs and practices. Popular festivals are held to honor these gods, such as the New Yam Festival dedicated to Ahiajoku and Ala. Christianity may dominate, but the reverence for deities remains in the Igbo tradition.

One of the tallest trees of the forest, it is used as a fake teak for its close qualities. But one thing the teak definitively does not have, shutting it in the great timber wood, is its language. Yes, the Iroko can talk.

This article discusses the traditional Nigerian dish called Masar Bauchi or Masa, a pan-fried rice cake popular among the Hausa people in the northern part of the country. It provides a recipe for making Masar Bauchi using white rice, yeast, sugar, salt, and diced onions. The dish is typically served with Kuli Kuli (powdered peanut chips) and Miyan Taushe (spinach soup). The article emphasizes the cultural significance of traditional cuisine and encourages readers to try and share these dishes to preserve Nigerian culinary heritage.

Waist beads have deep cultural significance in Africa, representing femininity, fertility, sensuality, and spirituality. They have been used for rites of passage, contraception, and protection against evil spirits.

Dadawa, a Nigerian spice also known as Iru or Okpehe, is prepared using soybeans. The process involves dry frying the soybeans, crushing them to remove the outer covering, boiling them, fermenting the beans, sun-drying them on trays, pounding them, shaping them into cakes, and drying them further. The final product is a hard spice used to season food and soups.

Gurasa is a popular snack in Northern Nigeria, resembling bread. It is made by baking a mixture of wheat flour, eggs, yeast, and sugar. The baked gurasa is cooled, dipped in water, coated with kuli kuli powder (made from groundnut cakes), and warmed over a fire. It is served with sliced vegetables and more kuli kuli and yaji seasoning, accompanied by a chilled drink.

Anansi, a trickster figure from Ghanian mythology is often depicted as a spider who uses his intelligence and cunning to outsmart his opponents and achieve his goals.

The Igbo cuisine is usually made from yam, Cassava, Cocoyam, Bambara nut, melon seeds, Cow Peas, Breadfruit seeds and various local vegetables. Palm oil is also a dominant ingredient utilized in the preparation of Igbo dishes especially for cooking soups.

The musical life of Àyìnlá Ọmọwúrà is chronicled in this article which examines his music, life and impact. An Apala musician from Abeokuta, Ayinla's music discussed various societal ills.

African folklore is rich with stories of spirits and demons. These supernatural beings are said to inhabit various aspects of the natural world and can take many different forms.

An ode to Masa, a Northern Nigerian breakfast staple. A flavourful cake with a crunchy exterior and soft sponge like interior, Masa is often eaten with Yaji or Miyan Taushe.

Oriire is requesting paid submissions related to African mythology, history and food.

Music has long been a tool for resistance and protest in Africa. Throughout history, African musicians have used their art to express political dissent, challenge oppressive regimes, and promote social change.

The South African Braai, which is also known as a barbeque or BBQ, is a cultural and social institution that has become a celebrated way of cooking and sharing food in South Africa. It is a unique style of cooking that blends the art and science of preparing meat and vegetables over an open flame.

Kano city, located in northern Nigeria, is one of the oldest and most significant cities in the country's history. Its socio-cultural identity has been shaped by a variety of factors, including its history, traditions, and myths.

African history has been shaped by numerous women who have made significant contributions in various fields. Despite facing numerous challenges and barriers, these women have emerged as leaders, pioneers, and trailblazers, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for future generations of women.

Africa has a rich history of spiritual and cultural beliefs, with a central focus on the elements of nature. One of the most intriguing practices is that of the Rain Maker, a person with the ability to control the weather and bring forth rain in times of drought.

Injera, a staple food in Ethiopian cuisine, is a sourdough flatbread that is made from a mixture of teff flour and water. This spongy and tangy bread is enjoyed throughout Ethiopia, Eritrea, and other parts of the Horn of Africa, and is considered a crucial part of the region's cultural heritage.

"For Alkebulan, you are not the "dark continent", but a beacon of hope, power, and brilliance.‍"

The Yoruba people are an ethnic group that originated in West Africa, specifically in present-day Nigeria and Benin. However, their influence and traditions have spread far beyond their place of origin, including to South America. The Yoruba culture, and its associated religions, has played a significant role in shaping the societies and cultures of many South American countries, particularly Brazil, Cuba, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The evolution of currency in West Africa spans centuries and encompasses a wide range of cultures and civilizations. From bartering to cowrie shells, beads, metal objects, European currencies and now digital currencies like Bitcoin. The use of foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar, remains widespread in West Africa, and digital currencies offer a number of advantages over traditional forms of currency, including lower transaction costs and increased security.

Do you want to be a guest on the Oriire Podcast? We want to hear from you. Every episode we have a discussion about a new topic. Our aim is to celebrate African mythology, history and food.

A poem titled 'Our Land'.

One remarkable attribute of the Ivorian people is their hospitable nature and their exquisite cuisine. As such, what is Christmas in Abidjan without good food? Let us take a dive intosome Ivorian cuisines you should try out this season.

Oriire is requesting submissions related to African mythology, history and food

A poem about African women

Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye is a Nigerian juju singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who goes by the stage name King Sunny Adé. He is known as one of the first African Pop artists to become popular around the world, and he has been called one of the most influential musicians of all time.

Hairdressing and hairstyles are strong features for identification and social status among the Yoruba.

African art became an instrument of aesthetics, an embellishment of worth and cultural glorification, as well as an exploration of anthropological details and the globalisation of African cosmology.

In 1874,a German traveler, Karl Leche, sent a letter to newspapers across the United States and Europe. His letter gave vivid details of a tree he came across in Madagascar, an island on the east coast of Africa, and how that tree consumes humans, so much that the Mkodo tribe people made human sacrifices to said tree.

The Mau Mau Uprising is another African history relating to the national activist movement for freedom in Kenya. It was a bloody war of liberation that lasted from 1952 to 1963 and is said to be the foundation of Kenyan independence.

Myths, legends, magic and masquerades, folktales and fables, spells, spirits, spooky tales, spilling the tea – Oriire is seeking submissions for its publication: a compilation of 25 African-themed spooky stories.

The Maasai are an ethnic group who inhabit Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania. A semi-nomadic group, they are one of the most popular locals in the world, not least because they dwell close to the African game parks but because of their peculiar dress, customs and food.

Kumbwada is an ancient kingdom with a population of about 33,000 people which is located in Niger, a state in the Northern part of Nigeria

Banga soup is made out of palm nut extract and it is most popular among the Delta/Urhobo and Igbo people. When it comes to Banga soup, its method of preparation varies according to each tribe and even down to its ingredients as well.

The marriage traditions of the Hausa ethnic group in Nigeria

The point of this article is to help you make an informed decision when next you are at a buffet, and you get to choose what African meal to have, or whenever you decide to do some continental dish experimentation in your kitchen to celebrate during this festive season.

Meanwhile, traditional practices are considered detrimental after being subjected to and evaluated under objective lenses of biological, social, psychological and natural sciences and deemed not to meet the psycho-social needs of man nor are necessary for his development and physical well-being, and therefore negate scientific theory and best practices. Such traditions are known as Harmful Traditional Practices (HTP).

In any case, attention should be awarded to how we tell our stories so that they can garner the attention of incoming generations. If drastic actions are not taken, our cultural heritages and our pristine identities may not recover from this slippery slide and unguarded free fall into the bin of forgotten history.

A folktale about 'Anansi', the legendary Ghanian god.

Sàngó, also known as Changó or Xangô in Latin America; and as Jakuta or Badé is an Orisha, a deity in Yoruba religion. He is a royal ancestor of the Yoruba as he was the third Alaafin of the Oyo Kingdom prior to his posthumous deification.

An account of an encounter with a Mami-Wata aka Mermaid

It is surprising how much similarity is yet to be uncharted between the African diaspora and the motherland. Here, therefore, we try to draw a nexus between the Brazilian Acaraje and Nigerian Àkàrà.

The myths surrounding people with albinism are too numerous to mention and these have been deeply ingrained in the minds of those who believe it.

A retelling of the 'Queen Moremi' folktale about a legendary Yoruba queen.

The events in this folktale led to a new custom in Uganda in the old days; but now there is a new law, and no one may go to a witchdoctor at all, and if the police find a man telling fortunes they take him to prison. But still some people are naive enough to go in secret, and have their fortunes told, even though they know this story.