ASO-EBI NOSE MASKS

 

   Anytime I hear the word 'o-wam-be', here's what comes to mind: bright, popping colours of aso ebi, bling-bling jewelry, masterpiece geles, loud and lively music (fuji), 'pepper dem' lace attires, lots of dancing accompanied with spraying of naira notes, classy agbada styles, and of course, my favorite part, lots of foooooooood! Especially the hot, spicy, delicious, party jollof rice ! 

 

 Your description of an owambe might be a simple ceremony or a more elaborate one than mine. Either way, one thing is sure; there's a crowd involved, comprising of invited and uninvited guests (and the latter category which I have fallen under a few times, are usually more in number than the former except there’s some strict invitation rule put in place.) But really, what is an owambe without people in attendance? Owambe equals crowd and we Nigerians dey there when it comes to such. 

In recent times, the imposition of a lockdown in the nation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that swept across the globe led to the cancellation and postponement of several events that had been fore planned, and our dear owambes weren't left out. Plans and preparations were put on hold or adjusted. Meetings were either cancelled or held virtually. Should the same have been done for owambes, its literal meaning would have been taken away. Imagine yourself getting fully dressed in a nicely sewn outfit, getting your gele and make-up done only to sit in front of a laptop to 'attend' an owambe. That’d be ridiculous, if you ask me.

Thankfully, months after the ease of the lockdown, physical gatherings are no longer restricted provided safety measures were put in place. Our owambes are back in full force and it seems they are way better. Apparently, some of the preventive measures against 'uncle coro' has sparked some new ideas for owambes. For example, customized hand sanitizers are now given out as souvenirs, face and nose masks have become more like accessories for grooms, brides, guests, ushers and even children.

Presently, aso ebi nose masks are the latest trend in owambes. They're suitable for any kind of occasion, ranging from birthdays to weddings and even funerals. Plus, aso ebi nose masks are a one-size-fits-it-all. No need for some 'extra sewing allowance'. They're just the perfect way of looking stylish and protecting oneself, considering the fact that an owambe will always have a lot of a people in attendance as stated earlier. 

   

Unlike the boring, regular clinical nose masks, aso ebi nose masks can be customised to match your shoes, your purse, your fila or gele. You could even get a simple embroidery design done on yours, or dazzle it up with some rhine stones, bead work or sequin or whatever tickles your fancy.

Planning to attend an owambe this weekend? Spice up your attire with one of those and slay all the way. Remember, there isn’t an excuse not to be fashionable, not even a pandemic! 

PS:  Be sure to take a lot of selfies too, the aso ebi nose masks look really great in photos (winks).

Below is a list of some italicised words and their meaning:

Aso ebi: Nigerian outfits made from matching fabric to be worn by a group of people to an occasion as a uniform. 

Gele: A traditional Nigerian headwrap worn by women during special occasions usually made out of heavy or stiff fabric that can be styled into a specific shape. 

Owambe: A large, grandiose party thrown by Nigerians anywhere in the world, especially Yoruba Nigerians that involves a lot of food, dancing, loud music. There are often numerous guests, divided into groups according to their aso ebi.

Agbada: A long, loose-fitting, often embroidered gown having wide sleeves and a hole in the center for the head, worn especially by Yoruba men.

Fuji: A Nigerian musical genre.

Fila: A cap made from stiff fabric worn by Nigerian men.

Ahoua Victory 

Member of NIMELSSA EDITORIAL TEAM 19/20