This & That, Ceci et Cela

A post on Naijablog got me to thinking about how some things are theoretically the same but resonate differently across the world… Take for instance, the art of celebration, which brings me to our WOTD (word of the day):

Owambe /o-wamn-beh/ n. Popular terminology used in Nigeria to refer to big parties. derived from the Yorùbá language Also practiced worldwide under different names such as party, fete, partito, partido, ?, etc.

Literal definition: “it is there”. “It” signifies an abundance of everything; food, drink, fine fabrics, hot flesh, presents, and of course that ultimate signifier of excess, raw cash.

Metaphorical definition: the rhythmic commotion arising from the collision of material and personality excess.

Although great efforts are made to showcase excess at celebrations around the globe, nothing quite matches the fumes of joyous excess and beautiful vulgarity that arises from the potent mix known as owambe. And you thought the zenith of partying was kicking it on Puffy’s yacht or the Donald’s penthouse? Think again, my friend…

Now, there are certain differentiating factors that illustrate why the owambe phenomenon is not an exact translation into western equivalents such as “party”.

1) Live music. While recordings may also be used instead of or in conjunction with this, nothing beats a live band because that is what draws out and captures the essence of owambe; that frenzy of the “world be damned, we’re-partying-today-even-if-others-starve or even-if-some-of-us-may-starve-tomorrow-its-on-today”.

3) Spraying: Guests show their appreciation for the celebrant and the party by “spraying” him/her liberally with cash (usually naira, US dollars, and/or GB pounds). This usually occurs when the music has hit such a crescendo that the sprayer(s) just cannot hold back anymore. The manner of spraying is also an art unto itself; it requires artfully anointing (not throwing) the recipient with bank notes usually on the face or neck all the while keeping up with the tempo of the music.

2) Hot flesh in motion. Also known as dancing but far superior to what western readers might visualize. Trust me, the gyrations seen in rap/reggae videos and carnivals haven’t got ‘nuthin on this. The dancing at owambe is indeed a sight to behold. It is doubtful that anything beats the way in which flesh sings with absolute wanton and abandon during such an occasion. Only the Afro-Latin American and Caribbean brethren probably come close, which isn’t surprising given that their populations include many West African descendants.

Ok, school over.