EDINGENE IZUOGU IS THE POWER BEHIDE THE MICHROPHONE.............IN IKEJI OKIGWE

                                                            PRINCE EDINGENE WITH GROUPS

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                                                           AGU EWE OYI IN ACTION

                                                           SAMANJA IZUOGU IN SPIRIT

IKEJI DATE GOES OFFICIAL

wow here come the date of 2013 IKEJI festival which will start from 11th of April 2013,we thank the general eze's for the awesome date they gave us,in fact that date was cool because it falls on weekend, so all the workers won't have any excuses why they did not come back for this great festival.
i was ask to say a very big thanks to eze iheme, no other person than   HRH EZE KOSSMAN NDUBUISE KANU and all the AKAJIOFOR'S for making this date a reality may God bless all of you in Jesus name amen

PRAYER FOR UPCOMING IKEJI FESTIVAL

preparing IKEJI festival this year without praying and fasting to greatest almighty God for his mercy and divine guidance is inhuman and selfish because anything can happen..........please join me as i pray for us for a merciful IKEJI festival this season.......God is never against our festival but he is only against the evil and selfish things that is been practiced on it.lets pray that is as we prepare that god shall see us through and nobody will loose his or her life this season in Jesus name we pray....amen
thanks.
                                                                                                      Nwa mazi
                                                                                             EPHRAIM OKPALEKE

greetings to all UMU MAZI all over the word who always visit the blog for update,well am pleased to inform you all that its remaining a day to go for the decision on the date of IKEJI IZUOGU to be made official to all UMU MAZI....the EZE'S and the AKAJIOFOR'S will be celebrating ikeji iheme tomorrow being 14th MARCH which after, the date will be announce to everybody..............i urge all UMU MAZI to get ready because this year IKEJI will be best among all, why i said this is because i can perceive the smell and fresh breeze of IKEJI please try and be there or better still get more information here and some pics also.
thanks

MAZI ONYEKA IJITA POINTS HIS VIEW ABOUT CULTURE

Ikeji Arondizuogu Our Tradition, Our culture, our Heritage.[Part one]
Ndizuogu, our culture is our heritage, and it is one of the things that can be attributed as being unique to us Tradition is not bad, Adhering to your culture and tradition does not make you to loose sight with God I am a christian, and my English name is christian, but i like tradition, i have no problem with traditional medicine, neither do i have a problem with saying a prayer in a traditional way (igo ofo). It is what is in your mind. We need to start disabusing our minds this idea that our tradition is bad, because it is not bad. There are areas we need to evolve on, and we have to. But there are areas where we can integrate our modern lifestyles with our culture, history and tradition I am not telling anyone to go and worship traditional god, but i cannot convince anyone that God only answers prayers that are said in a certain way------By Mazi Onyeka Ijita

Reminiscences Of Arondizuogu Cultural Festival

 

ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA who witnessed the just celebrated 2012 Ikeji Festival in Arondizuogu, writes on the tourist attractions of the community, the ancestral home of Arochukwu people in the South Eastern part of Nigeria.
THE people of Arochukwu were in joyous mood on the occasion of the celebration of this year’s Ikeji Festival with Arondizuogu, their ancestral home, radiating all colors of the rainbow.
The yearly festival has over the years grown to be a huge socio-cultural and religious celebration of the people, which is about thanksgiving, propitiation and feasting.
The masquerades gyrate to fascinating and enchanting rhythms and pulsating beats. They are accompanied by a  retinue of performers ranging from drummers (ekwe - wooden slit drums), ogene (metal gong), bells, maracas and oja (wooden flutes).
It is celebrated within four traditional days known as Eke, Oye/Orie, Afo and Nkwo and the days they are packed full with different traditional activities holding at the various communities  which foster unity among the people.
Historically, Arondizuogu is believed to have been founded around the 18th century by Mazi Izuogu, a slave merchant from Arochukwu and Chief Iheme who was his chief servant . Izuogu came from a place known as Isi-Akpu Nise in Akwa, Anambra State. Over time, Izuogu and his people (Ndizuogu) united with Iheme and his people (Ndiheme) to form the Aro kingdom of Arondizuogu.
Arondizuogu people are referred to as “Izuogu na Iheme,” and occupy about 20 villages and 12 autonomous communities. Each autonomous community has its own ‘Eze’ (traditional ruler recognized by the state government). The communities are - Ndiuche Autonomous Community, Awa Izuogu Autonomous Community, Ndiheme Autonomous Community, Aro-Umuduru Autonomous Community, Aro-Amuro Autonomous Community, Ejezie Izuogu Autonomous Community, Akeme Autonomous Community, And Ndiogbunoyema Autonomous Community.

Arondizuogu Patriotic Union (APU), founded in 1932 in Aba, is an umbrella organisation for all Arondizuogu people and those in the diaspora. The body is devoted to the development of the people and the various communities. It is presently headed by Barrister Uche Ohia from Ndiakeme Ohiauchu. He was elected on October 25, 2008.
Tourist Attractions
Besides the Ikeji Festival which has become a major tourist event, Arondizuogu harbours a number of attractions, especially of historical, religious and cultural inclinations. The list is endless but here are samples of what to feast on when in the ancient enclave.
Mazi Mbonu Ojike Cottage: The country home of Mazi Mbonu Ojike, who was popular for his political sagacity and widely known within his community and beyond as ‘The boycott king.’ He is from Ndiakeme Uno.
Uno Ogologo: A Safe House built in 1887 for hiding children during the slave trade era by one of the slave merchants.
Stone Palace: A one-storey architectural masterpiece cast in stone constructed by the late Chief Green Mbadiwe. Built for his father, Mbadiwe Odum, at Ndianiche Uno, the ancient building is amazing to behold considering the technology of the era it was built.
Ngeze: A legendary stream at Ndiakeme Uno.
Ogbuti Ezumezu (Obi Pericomo): Houses the musical instruments of Pericomme Okoye who was highly regarded then as Ikeji music maestro, Ndiogbuonyeoma Ofe Imo.
National High School, Arondizuogu: A model school built through communal effort and commissioned in 1951 at Ndiakeme uno.
Iheme Memorial Secondary School: Another model school built in 1951 at Ndianiche through communal effort.
Palace Of The People: Another and awe- inspiring structure built by Dr. Kingsley.O. Mbadiwe (Agadagbachiriuzo) at Ndianiche. The late Prime Minister of Nigeria, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, commissioned it in 1965.
Upiti: An expansive rice field at Akeme Ohiauchu.
Obi Omenuko: Country home of Igwegbe Odum, the hero of Omenuko, the first Igbo novel by Pita Nwana.
Ngene Okwe: A natural spring at Ndiawa.
Obi Ezerioha: Located in Obiokwara, Obinihu (Agbualla) Umualaoma, it holds historical significance for the people, as it was the place where the peace agreement that fostered the unity and peaceful co-existence of the people was signed by their forebears.

AGUBA (AKAEME)

AGUNZI IZUOGU (NDI AMAZU)

OKONTA( AKEME OHIAUCHU)

wow izuogu ekenem kwam unu, well i dont actually know what i was thinking when i decide to do this to promote our heritage,well some individuals might see me as a fetish boy or man some will call me ORI NA MMOWU but i dont think i am cos is a culture of ma people which we are bound to protect and promote in any way we chose.
ikeji is a festival of joy,the period you see and meet people you have not seen for decades and the period you feel the natural air of you home town and not the air that comes from hustling town..........I so much believe in God and i respect him as ma father and creator....please lets join hands together and promote our culture inheritances....thank you

FESTIVALS IN NIGERIA

January Festivals February Festivals March Festivals April Festivals May Festivals June Festivals July Festivals August Festivals September Festivals October Festivals November Festivals December Festivals Festivals in Nigeria Useful Information for the Foreign visitor Cultural Etiquette: Cultural Dos and Taboos Main News News Articles Most Read Articles Top News Headlines Niger Delta News Politics Business Sports Education Entertainment Government Health Life Style Technology Odds & Ends E-Mail Updates News Feeds Reading Rooms Columnists Discussions Books Features People & Profiles Documents in the News Think-Tanks/NGOs Culture Interviews Services Subscriptions Terms of Service About Us Archives Media Kit Affiliates News Sources	Festivals in Nigeria Today:Monday, February 25, 2013 Festivals Nigeria has many local festivals that date back to the time before the arrival of the major religions, and which are still occasions for masquerade and dance. The local festivals cover an enormous range of events, from harvest festivals and betrothal festivals, to the investing of a new chief and funerals. It seems odd to Western ways of thinking to see a funeral as something to be celebrated. But for many of the tribes, death means joining the ancestors, and so the deceased must get a good send-off. The dances that were once performed by members of each village have now been taken over by professional troupes, who tour villages performing at each local festival. The Muslim year revolves around the three major festivals, Id Al Fitri, Id Al Kabir, and Id Al Maulud. The main event in the Islamic calendar is the festival that celebrates the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is a month-long observation of fasting. During the hours of sunlight no one must eat or drink; some very religious people will not even swallow. Each evening at dusk is a celebration of sorts, as the family prepares to break the fast. In towns people do so by going out to one of the markets, where stallholders will be prepared for the hungry people. At the end of Ramadan there is a celebration, which varies in style among the different Muslim tribes. The Christian calendar is also celebrated, chielfy in the south of the country. Christian groups have moved closer to the rituals of their indigenous religions when celebrating Christian festivals. Dubar The Durbar festival dates back hundreds of years to the time when the Emirate (state) in the north used horses in warfare. During this period, each town, district, and nobility household was expected to contribute a regiment to the defense of the Emirate.Once or twice a year, the Emirate military chiefs invited the var­ious regiments for a Durbar (military parade) for the Emir and his chiefs. During the parade, regiments would showcase their horsemanship, their preparedness for war, and their loyalty to the Emirate. Today, Durbar has become a festival celebrated in honor of vis­iting Heads of State and at the culmination of the two great Muslim festivals, Id-el Fitri (commemorating the end of the holy month of Ramadan) and Ide-el Kabir (commemorating Prophet Ibrahim sacrificing a ram instead of his son). Of all the modern day Durbar festivals, Katsina Durbar is the most mag­nificent and spectacular. Id-el-Kabir, or Sallah Day, in Katsina begins with prayers out­side town, followed by processions of horsemen to the public square in front of the Emir’s palace, where each village group, district, and noble house take their assigned place. Last to arrive is the Emir and his splendid retinue; they take up their place in front of the palace to receive the jahi, or homage, of their subjects. The festival begins with each group racing across the square at full gallop, swords glinting in the sun. They pass just few feet away from the Emir, then stop abruptly to salute him with raised swords. The last and most fierce riders are the Emir’s household and reg­imental guards, the Dogari. After the celebrations, the Emir and his chiefs retire to the palace, and enjoyment of the occasion reigns. This fanfare is intensified by drumming, dancing and singing, with small bands of Fulanis performing shadi, a fasci­nating sideshow to behold. Arugungu Fishing Festival This colorful annual festival takes place in Arugungu,("ar-GOON-goo"), a riverside town in Kebbi State, about 64 miles from Sokoto. The leading tourist attraction in the area, the festival originated in Aug. 1934, when the late Sultan Dan Mu’azu made an historic visit. In tribute, a grand fishing festival was organized. Since then, it’s become a celebrated yearly event held between Feb. and March. During the festival, hundreds of local men and boys enter the water, armed with large fishnet scoops. They are joined by canoes filled with drummers, plus men rattling huge seed-filled gourds to drive the fish to shallow waters. Vast nets are cast and a wealth of fish are harvested, from giant Nile Perch to the peculiar Balloon Fish. Furthermore there’s canoe racing, wild duck hunting, bare-handed fishing, diving competitions and naturally, swimming. Afterwards, there is drinking, singing and dancing into the night. The festival marks the end of the growing season and the harvest. A one mile (1.6 kilometer) stretch of the Argungu River is protected throughout the year, so that the fish will be plentiful for this 45-minute fishing frenzy. About 5,000 men take part, armed with hand nets and a large gourd. During the alloted time, they fight for the fish in the river. Nile perch weighing up to 140 pounds (63.5 kg) are pulled out of the river, and the biggest are offered to the local Emirs who organize the festival. This festival began in the 1930s and has captured the nation's interest. It now includes many other events, such as canoe races and diving competition. Sharo/Shadi Festival The Fulani culture presents a complex system, involving age-old initiations. The most important is the Sharo or Shadi (flogging meeting), believed to have originated among the Jaful Fulani, whose ranks are still considered the finest. During the Sharo festival, bare-chested contestants, usually unmarried men, come to the center ring, escorted by beautiful girls. The crowd erupts in thunderous cheers and drumming. After some time, a challenger, also bare-chested, comes out brandishing a whip, trying to frighten his opponent. The festival proceeds with lively drumming, singing, cheers and self-praises from both competitors and challengers. When the excitement is at a fevered pitch, it is the time for flogging. The challenger raises his whip and flogs his opponent. His opponent must endure this without wincing or showing pain, lest he be branded a coward. Eyo Festival Eyo Festival is unique to Lagos area, and it is widely believed that Eyo is the forerunner of the mod­ern day carnival in Brazil. On Eyo Day, the main highway in the heart of the city (from the end of Carter Bridge to Tinubu Square) is closed to traffic, allowing for procession from Idumota to Iga Idunganran. Here, the participants all pay homage to the Oba of Lagos. Eyo festival takes place whenever occasion and tradition demand, but it is usually held as the final burial rites for a highly regarded chief. Among the Yoruba, the indigenous religions have largely given way to Christianity and Islam, but the old festivals are still observed. The traditional leaders of the Yoruba are the Obas, who live in palaces and used to govern along with a council of ministers. The Obas' position is now mainly honorary, and their chief role is during the observance of the festivals. Yoruban festivals honor their pantheon of gods and mark the installation of a new Oba. The Engungun ("en-GOON-gun") festival, which honors the ancestors, lasts 24 days. Each day, a different Engungun in the person of a masked dancer dances through the town, possessed by one of the ancestors. On the last day, a priest goes to the shrine of the ancestors and sacrifices animals, pouring the blood on the shrine. The sacrifices are collected, and they become the food for the feast that follows. The Sango The Shango festival celebrates the god of thunder, an ancestor who is said to have hanged himself. Lasting about 20 days, sacrifices are made at the shrine of the god, in the compound of the hereditary priest. On the final day, the priest becomes possessed by the god and gains magical powers. He eats fire and swallows gunpowder. The procession again goes off to the Oba's palace and the feast begins, accompanied by palm wine, roast meat, and more dancing. In the past, the priest of this cult would have been a very rich and powerful man. With the decline in power of the Obas, and the large numbers of people who no longer profess to believe in the old pantheon of gods, the priests of the Yoruba are much poorer and less powerful than they once were. The Benin Festival This ceremony takes place at the end of the rainy season, after the harvest has been gathered. It is partly a kind of harvest festival but also serves another purpose - eligible young men and women of the village are displayed before each other to be ritually acquainted. The festival occurs once evey four years, and only the very wealthy can afford to have their children take part in the matchmaking ceremony. But all the villagers are able to join in the festival atmosphere. In the past, the young girls who took part in the festival traditionally wore no clothing, but in modern times, because nudity is frowned upon, they are clothed. The chief parts of the girls' display are the numerous heavy armlets and leg ornaments that they wear. They are so heavy that the girls must hold their arms over their heads during the entire festival, in order to support the weight of them. Their hair is intricately plaited with coral beads. Both boys and girls have elaborate markings painted on their bodies. The boys also take part in a tug- of-war as a demonstration of their strength. The Ibo Celebration of Onitsha Ivories In the past, Ibo society centered on subsistence farming, so few Ibo people became wealthy. Power in Ibo communities was based on the good standing of the man, rather than the extent of his wealth. But in more recent times, social status and wealth have become more important to the Ibo. While many of the old traditions are dying out, the Onitsha ivories festivals are becoming more common. The title of the ivory holder can be claimed by any woman who has collected enough ivory and coral to fit herself out in the costume. Usually, these women are the wives of rich men, or women who have become successful in business and can buy their own ivory. The woman has to have two huge pieces of ivory, one for each leg. The pieces have been known to weigh up to 56 pounds (25 kilos) each. In addition, two large pieces must adorn the wrists. Thousands of dollars worth of coral and gold necklaces are also worn. Once she has accumulated all this, the woman must finance a feast for as many people as possible. A special priest carries out a purification ceremony for the ivories. The next stage of the process is even more elaborate. A woman with a full set of ivories can take the title of OZO ("OH-zoh"). In addition to her ivories, the elaborate and expensive embroidered white gown, and coral and gold ornaments, the woman must acquire an ivory trumpet and a horsetail switch. Men can also take this title. When a ceremony for a new Ozo takes place, all the similarly titled women dress up in their ivories and attend the celebration to mark the ocassion. Other Festivals Many communities, including those in the north, have a version of the harvest festival. In the south, this is often a new yam festival, celebrated when the first of the season's yams are ready to eat. The tribes that live in the Niger Delta hold the Ikwerre, Kalabari, and Okrika festivals, to celebrate the water spirits of their region. The masqueraders wear carved headdresses that imitate the heads of fish or water birds. Typically, a festival begins with a divination by the priest of the deity concerned. This is followed by ritual sacrifices, then a song and dance performance depicting aspects of the deity. The climax of the festival is usually a masquerader appearing disguised as the deity. Latest News :

the top masquerade in izuogu

OBIEZE EKWUNIE (AWA)

PAPA NDI ARA (NDIUKWU) LATE

IDIAGBO OKEKE (ANICHE ENU ANA)

MKPOROKONU EGBU EZI (EJEZIE)

ATUNDERI IZUOGU( AWA)

TIGER OPURUISI(AKAEME)