My Beautiful Black Ancestry
  • News
    • World
    • Politics
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Entertainment News
    • Celebrity News
  • Talents & Achievements
  • Health & Wellness
  • Beauty & Fashion
  • History & Culture
  • Travels & Tours
  • See More
    • Relationships
      • Breakup Alert
      • Love Confessions
      • Love Tales
      • Life & Love
    • Diary of an Angry and searching Nigerian Girl
    • Kids Corner
    • Global Black Celebration
    • Trending
    • Grooming
    • Hair
  • Contact Us

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Be the first to get breaking news, historical events, culture, fashion, politics, business, entertainment, celebrity, and healthcare updates from beautiful Africans across the globe straight to your inbox

What's Hot

Nicholas Buamah, an 11-Year-Old Boy Creates a Sitcom About Smart Kids of Color 

January 28, 2023

Florida Teens To Sue Gov. DeSantis Over Rejection Of AP African American Studies Course 

January 28, 2023

Tv Show on Ethiopia’s Queen Sheba in the Works 

January 28, 2023
Facebook Twitter Instagram WhatsApp
Trending
  • Nicholas Buamah, an 11-Year-Old Boy Creates a Sitcom About Smart Kids of Color 
  • Florida Teens To Sue Gov. DeSantis Over Rejection Of AP African American Studies Course 
  • Tv Show on Ethiopia’s Queen Sheba in the Works 
  • Tyre Nichols: Memphis police to release fatal beating footage 
  • Keke Palmer Announces She Is Having a baby boy  
  • South African farmer warns of Lots of food shortages 
  • 65 Year-Old Black Mum, Betty, Attacked By White Texas Store Employees For Finding $50 On The Ground
  • Gerald Johnson, a pastor claims Demons In Hell Tortured Him With Rihanna’s songs 
Facebook Twitter Instagram WhatsApp
My Beautiful Black AncestryMy Beautiful Black Ancestry
  • News
    1. World
    2. Politics
    3. Business
    4. Sports
    5. Entertainment News
    6. Celebrity News
    7. View All

    A coup attempt in Sao Tome and Principe has failed 

    November 25, 2022

    Senegal beats World Cup host Qatar, 3-1 

    November 25, 2022

    Statue of German colonizer pulled down in Windhoek, Namibia 

    November 25, 2022

    Sex workers in Ghana increase charges over current economic hardship 

    November 24, 2022

    Former President Trump pleads with Meta to restore his Facebook account 

    January 19, 2023

    Obiang, Son Of Equatorial Guinea President, Arrested For Alleged Corruption 

    January 17, 2023

    Lori Lightfoot, a Chicago Mayor, Under Investigation For Encouraging Children To Volunteer For Reelection Campaign 

    January 15, 2023

    Church of England, Anglican Communion apologizes for links to slavery 

    January 10, 2023

    John legend launches Affordable Personal Care Brand for Melanin Rich Skin 

    January 17, 2023

    Meet The Women Who Created The Line Of Hygienic Hijabs For Muslims In Healthcare 

    January 17, 2023

    Virginia Couple Purchase Home With 90 Acres of Land to Build Generational Wealth For Their Kids 

    January 15, 2023

    Airbnb Places Ban On Slave Cabin Rentals 

    December 24, 2022

    Olympic Star Usain Bolt defrauded of $12m life savings 

    January 20, 2023

    Man City’s Benjamin Mendy cleared of six rape charges 

    January 13, 2023

    Tennis Champ, Naomi Osaka pregnant with her first child 

    January 12, 2023

    Former Cameroonian midfielder Modeste Mbami Dies of a heart attack  

    January 8, 2023

    Tv Show on Ethiopia’s Queen Sheba in the Works 

    January 28, 2023

    Keke Palmer Announces She Is Having a baby boy  

    January 27, 2023

    Girls Trip 2 to be Shot In Ghana 

    January 24, 2023

    Antoine Fuqua to Direct Michael Jackson Biopic, Set to Begin Shooting This Year 

    January 24, 2023

    Sha’Carri Richardson Removed From Flight Following Argument With ‘Disrespectful’ Attendant 

    January 24, 2023

    Beyoncé Performs Live For First Time Since 2018, Duets With Blue Ivy 

    January 22, 2023

    ‘He Wanted To Change For Me’: Cardi B Reveals Why She Called Off Divorce From Offset 

    January 20, 2023

    John legend launches Affordable Personal Care Brand for Melanin Rich Skin 

    January 17, 2023

    Florida Teens To Sue Gov. DeSantis Over Rejection Of AP African American Studies Course 

    January 28, 2023

    Tyre Nichols: Memphis police to release fatal beating footage 

    January 27, 2023

    South African farmer warns of Lots of food shortages 

    January 27, 2023

    65 Year-Old Black Mum, Betty, Attacked By White Texas Store Employees For Finding $50 On The Ground

    January 27, 2023
  • Talents & Achievements

    Nicholas Buamah, an 11-Year-Old Boy Creates a Sitcom About Smart Kids of Color 

    January 28, 2023

    40-Year-Old South African Woman Sthembile, Graduates From Same College Where She Cleaned For 14 Years 

    January 24, 2023

    John legend launches Affordable Personal Care Brand for Melanin Rich Skin 

    January 17, 2023

    Nigerian artists win big at AFRIMA As Asake, Burna Boy and Davido Dominate  

    January 17, 2023

    R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss USA, Crowned Miss Universe 2022

    January 17, 2023
  • Health & Wellness

    John legend launches Affordable Personal Care Brand for Melanin Rich Skin 

    January 17, 2023

    Meet The Women Who Created The Line Of Hygienic Hijabs For Muslims In Healthcare 

    January 17, 2023

    New Study Shows How Black Women Experience Depression Differently 

    January 15, 2023

    Uganda receives first batch of Trial Vaccines For Ebola 

    December 9, 2022

    Black Woman, Jenny Mitchell Sues L’Oréal and Others, Alleges Hair-Straightening Products Caused Her Uterine Cancer 

    October 31, 2022
  • Beauty & Fashion

    10 Afro-Caribbean Beauty Influencers you should follow 

    July 18, 2022

    10 Black Beauty Influencers you should follow 

    July 12, 2022

    10 African Beauty Influencers You Should Follow  

    July 5, 2022

    10 South African Beauty Influencers You Should Follow 

    June 22, 2022

    Rihanna Honoured With A Digital Statue At Met Gala

    May 4, 2022
  • History & Culture

    The State Of California, is named after a Mythical Black Queen, Calafia 

    January 20, 2023

    The Story Of Hatshepsut, The Female Pharaoh Who Ruled Egypt as a Man 

    January 20, 2023

    The Story of Kalulu Ndugu M’hali, the Enslaved boy who has the Congo River Falls Named After Him 

    December 3, 2022

    60 Cute African girl names and their meanings  

    November 29, 2022

    60 Popular African boy names and their meanings  

    November 29, 2022
  • Travels & Tours

    Thousands Of Zulu Men Re-enact Historic Zulu Victory at Isandlwana 

    January 22, 2023

    3,500 years old Royal Luxor Tomb unveiled in Egypt 

    January 17, 2023

    LA Man, Dakrabo Set To Build $350million Film Studio In Ghana, Promises To Bring Hollywood To Ghana 

    January 17, 2023

    Top 10 most powerful African Passports

    January 13, 2023

    Meet Tracy Eboigbodin, The Nigerian Chef Who Won The 11th Series Of MasterChef Italia 

    December 30, 2022
  • See More
    1. Relationships
    2. Breakup Alert
    3. Love Confessions
    4. Love Tales
    5. Life & Love
    6. Diary of an Angry and searching Nigerian Girl
    7. Kids Corner
    8. Global Black Celebration
    9. Trending
    10. Grooming
    11. Hair
    12. View All

    Nicholas Buamah, an 11-Year-Old Boy Creates a Sitcom About Smart Kids of Color 

    January 28, 2023

    Florida Teens To Sue Gov. DeSantis Over Rejection Of AP African American Studies Course 

    January 28, 2023

    Tv Show on Ethiopia’s Queen Sheba in the Works 

    January 28, 2023

    Tyre Nichols: Memphis police to release fatal beating footage 

    January 27, 2023

    Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner Reportedly Breakup Two Years After Rekindling Relationship 

    January 8, 2023

    Relationship Coach Derrick Jackson Announces Divorce From His Wife, After Getting Caught With Another Woman 

    December 10, 2022

    After 14 Years of Marriage, Tia Mowry Files For Divorce From Cory Hardrict 

    October 4, 2022

    Crystal Renay Accuses Husband, Ne-Yo Of Cheating Weeks After Renewing Their Vows

    August 1, 2022

    Popular Polygamist Kevin Wesley, Narrates How He Successfully Manages His “Queens”

    April 16, 2021

    Singer Mya Actually Got Married To Herself, She Has Been A Sologamist For 7 Years (Update)

    February 25, 2021

    August Alsina Says Will Smith Allowed Him Have An Affair With His Wife, Jada Pinkett

    July 1, 2020

    I Fell Inlove With A Single Married Man 16

    June 5, 2020

    Ray J And Princess Love Have Called Off Their Divorce For A Second Time

    March 19, 2021

    Following Their Reconciliation, Ne-Yo & Wife Crystal Smith Share The First Sonogram Video Of Their New Baby

    March 5, 2021

    Tennessee Black Couple, Tommy And Harriet, Celebrate 70 Years of Marriage

    October 13, 2020

    RekindledLove? Princess Love Files To Dismiss Divorce From Ray J

    July 14, 2020

    African Couple Celebrates their Journey of Marriage, 53rd wedding anniversary with heart warming photos

    August 28, 2021

    Meet Tonya McCray and Racquel McCray , the Mom and Daughter Who Are Working Together on the Same U.S. Navy Ship

    August 19, 2021

    Popular Polygamist Kevin Wesley, Narrates How He Successfully Manages His “Queens”

    April 16, 2021

    NORTH CAROLINA BEAUTIFUL WEDDING STORY: ROSCO AND MATTHEW MCKNIGHT’S INTIMATE WEDDING

    January 16, 2021

    I Fell Inlove With A Single Married Man 17

    December 21, 2020

    I Fell Inlove With A Single Married Man 16

    June 5, 2020

    I Fell In Love With A Single Married Man 15

    January 6, 2020

    I Fell In Love With A Single Married Man 14

    December 23, 2019

    Nicholas Buamah, an 11-Year-Old Boy Creates a Sitcom About Smart Kids of Color 

    January 28, 2023

    60 Cute African girl names and their meanings  

    November 29, 2022

    60 Popular African boy names and their meanings  

    November 29, 2022

    Romello, a Black Teen Buys New Shoes For his Classmate After He Was Bullied 

    November 14, 2022

    Milestones In History Uses Superheroes To Entertain And Educate Fans About Black History

    June 21, 2022

    Black Teen, Valaysia Smith Makes History As First Delegate To The Congress Of Future Medical Leaders

    May 26, 2022

    A record-breaking Ernie Barnes painting steals the show at Christie’s $831 million evening sales.

    May 16, 2022

    Meet Jarrett Bell, The First Black Sports Journalist To Win The Bill Nunn Jr. Writers Award

    May 15, 2022

    Brittney Griner To Work 16-Hours per day in  Mordovia Russia Prison 

    November 29, 2022

    Ye Allegedly Showed Ex-Staff Pornography And Explicit Kim Kardashian Videos 

    November 24, 2022

    Breaking: Migos Rapper Takeoff Reportedly shot dead over dice game in Houston, Texas 

    November 1, 2022

    Kansas City Pastor Carlton Funderburke, Apologizes For Calling out His ‘Broke’ Congregation For Not Buying Him a Luxury Wristwatch

    August 21, 2022

    50+ Inspirational Success Quotes by Black Men 

    July 13, 2022

    50+ Confidence and Self Love Quotes by Black Women 

    July 1, 2022

    Check Out These Beautiful African Braids Inspiration

    October 9, 2020

    Great Fashion Tips For Plus Size Black Women

    October 6, 2020

    Black Woman, Jenny Mitchell Sues L’Oréal and Others, Alleges Hair-Straightening Products Caused Her Uterine Cancer 

    October 31, 2022

    How Hair Straightening Chemicals May Increase Black Women’s Risk Of Uterine Cancer 

    October 23, 2022

    Akon Pays $7.5K for Hair Transplant In Turkey To Get New Hairline 

    October 20, 2022

    10 natural hair influencers you should follow  

    July 19, 2022

    Nicholas Buamah, an 11-Year-Old Boy Creates a Sitcom About Smart Kids of Color 

    January 28, 2023

    Florida Teens To Sue Gov. DeSantis Over Rejection Of AP African American Studies Course 

    January 28, 2023

    Tv Show on Ethiopia’s Queen Sheba in the Works 

    January 28, 2023

    Tyre Nichols: Memphis police to release fatal beating footage 

    January 27, 2023
  • Contact Us
My Beautiful Black Ancestry
Home»History and Culture»Interesting facts about the Yoruba culture everyone should know
History and Culture

Interesting facts about the Yoruba culture everyone should know

By Precious ObadaraDecember 3, 2018No Comments10 Views
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Interesting facts about the Yoruba culture everyone should know

By Flora Israel.
Yoruba is an ethnic group which has exciting history and rich culture. If you want to learn everything you never knew about Yoruba people, you have come to the right place. This is the compilation of the most interesting facts about Yoruba culture. Buckle up for the ride into the world of Yoruba culture traditions!
Interesting facts about Yoruba culture

Facts about Yoruba culture

Yoruba ethnicity is one of the biggest ones not only in the West African region but on the continent in general. Usually, the Yoruba people reside in the north-central and south-western parts of Nigeria. They can also be found in certain parts of Togo and Benin Republic.

Every cultural group, including Yoruba, has some cultural features that are passed down the generations. The Yoruba people believe that their cultural values should be preserved and can not be replaced. They are incredibly protective of their culture. Many Yoruba people still give their kids traditional names instead of following a popular trend to give them English ones. In general, they pay close attention to the naming traditions, believing that every person has to live out their name, whether it is good or bad. They also prefer speaking in their language than in English.

Yoruba people are talented sculptors. They are also very creative and well-known for their unique clothing patterns and designs. The textile industry is very developed in the nation. Yoruba people are known for their magnificent weddings.

The first tradition of the Yoruba wedding is that the groom has to get the consent from the bride’s parents for marrying her. After that, he is supposed to pay the bride price. The ceremony is attended by the family and friends of the bride and groom. The bride’s parents send her to her new home, and the groom’s parents welcome her there.

Like many ethnic groups, the Yoruba nation firmly believes that with death the person’s life does not end – they only transition to the different existence form. Yoruba people believe in old age and this causes them to pray for a long life at the blessings. They also pray for the wealth and their children.

Yoruba population

It is estimated that the Yoruba ethnic group consists of more than 40 million people in general, which includes not only Nigerian but also Beninese Yoruba people. The Yoruba in Nigeria is one of the biggest tribes. It makes 21% of the overall Nigerian population. Entire West Africa knows about the proud and culturally rich Yoruba nation.

In Nigeria and Benin, Yoruba people are surrounded by different ethnic groups. For example, in Benin, there is a Bariba tribe to the north-west. In Nigeria, there are Ebira in the north-east, Nupe in the north, and Edo, Esan and Afemai in the east.

Some of the other groups they share borders with are Mahi, Egun, Fon, Ewe, and Itsekiri. Sometimes, the cultures collide and borrow some elements from each other, like it usually happens in a natural flow of things.

Also, there are two Yoruba diaspora overseas. The first group consists of the people who migrated to America and the United Kingdom in the 1960-80s. Their migration happened as a result of the political and economic change. As for the second group, they were part of the transatlantic slave trade. Now, they reside in the Dominican Republic, Trinidad, and Tobago, Cuba, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Grenada, and Brazil. They form large communities and stick together.

Yoruba history facts

Historically, Yoruba kingdoms fell under the British Protectorate during Africa’s imperial era. The Yoruba people have a strong belief that they descended from Oduduwa. Polygamous families were common in their culture – in the past, men often married more than one woman. Some Yoruba people still actively practice this way of life. For instance, the current Alaafin of Oyo has four wives and often appears with them in public.

Yoruba culture

Yoruba language

In 2010, the records revealed that there are 30 million Yoruba speakers in the world. It is quite possible that this number has changed over the years. However, one fact remains certain – the vast majority of Yoruba people speak their native language.

The Yoruba language has a lot of various dialects, which are divided into five groups by area: Central, Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast. The Northwest dialect is usually spoken in the Ibadan, Egba, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos/Eko areas. The Northeast dialect is used by people who reside in Owe, Yagba, Oworo, Ijumu, Abunu, and Gbede. The residents of Ijesha, Igbomina, Ekiti, Akure, Ife, and Efon use the Central Yoruba dialect, and the people from the communities Remo, Idanre, Ondo City, Ikale, Owo, Ilaje, Ijebu, and Akoko use Southeast dialect. Finally, the Yoruba communities from Awori, Ketu, Ife (Togo), Sakete, Ipokia/Anago, and Idasha speak in Southwest dialect.

The interesting fact about Yoruba lexicon is that many words in this language are being used in the Afro-Brazilian religion Candomble. Sometimes they are also used in the Caribbean and Afro-American religions. The Yoruba tribe has a standard variety of the language, which is called Literary Yoruba or Yoruba koine. It originated from the 1850s.

Yoruba koine is a written form of Yoruba language. It was the first African bishop Samuel A. Crowther who published the Yoruba grammar book for the first time. If you compare the Yoruba language to the other Nigerian languages, you can find the most similarities to it in Itsekiri language (which is used in Niger Delta) and in the Igala language which is spoken mostly in central part of Nigeria.

Yoruba religion

The Yoruba religion is extremely diverse and interesting. The existing records show that about 20% of Yoruba people still practice the traditional form of religion, which they inherited from their ancestors.

The main belief of Yoruba people regards the fact that every person possesses destiny (Ayanmo). They also have a belief that reincarnation happens in the family, and this reincarnation is called Atunwa. Olodumare is a “state of existence”, which covers everything and has no gender. Usually, Olodumare is referred to as “they” or “it”. Olodumare is a supreme being, and it gave humanity the breath of life (called “emi”). It is considered the main agent of creation in Yoruba religion.

Yoruba people believe that the ruler of the sky and earth is the sky god named Olorun. This god is orisha of all the orishas (god of all the gods). He is the father of Obatala (Sky Father, creator of bodies, and father of all orishas) and Orunmila (Grand Priest who oversees the knowledge of purity, human form, and all the illness cures). People can communicate with Olorun through praying to him or pouring some water on the kola nuts which lie on the ground.

READ ALSO:   Why we engage in CSR — SWISSTRADE CEO

There are some more gods. For example, Esu is the messenger of divine beings who delivers all the sacrifices from the shrine directly to Olorun. Ifa, who is the god of divination, speaks about Olorun’s wishes to humanity and gives interpretations of them. There is also Ogun, who is a god of war, hunt, and metal. People who follow the traditional Yoruba beliefs usually have to swear to give the truthful testimony, and for that, they kiss the sacred Ogun machete. Then there is also Sango. He is responsible for thunder, which he is a creator of.

Yoruba people

Yoruba food

JOLLOF RICE
OFADA RICE WITH ASSORTED STEW
VEGETABLE SOUP POPULARLY CALLED EFO-RIRO

There are so many delicious Yoruba meals that people love consuming. They also contain a lot of health benefits, so everyone should try them. Yoruba cuisine is rich and absolutely delicious. You will never forget Yoruba meal once you have tried it

Yoruba dressing

Yoruba people have a lot of distinguishing traditional clothes that will separate them from everyone else and showcase their unique spirit. The clothing material that they make their clothes usually is processed cotton, which is brought by traditional Yoruba weavers. The Yoruba people strongly believe that if the man wears this type of clothes, it shows his social status and personality. In Yoruba culture, different occasions require wearing different outfits.

Usually, Yoruba traditional clothes are made up of a wide range of different materials. The basic Yoruba clothing material is Aso-Oke (the cloth of various colors and patterns, which are sewn in different styles). Aso-Oke comes in many patterns and color schemes. Usually, it has three main styles: Alaari (rich red), Sanyan (brown or light brown), and Etu (dark blue). Some other popular materials include Ofi (white yarned cloths), Adire (indigo cloth with different designs) and Aran (velvet clothing with silky textures.

Yoruba traditional dance

Apart from everything else, Yoruba people are famous for their traditional dances. The most popular type of it is Bata dance. It is known for its cheerful and dynamic style. Another significant thing that differs Bata dance from all the other dances is the accompanying of the drums. The Bata drummers play a huge role in this dance, which is no less important than the actual dancers. There are three sets of drums – Itotele, Okokonlo, and Iya-Ilu. When you hear these drummers, it is hard to remain still.

The Bata dance is performed by both men and women. Quite often, it is accompanied by the traditional Yoruba singers. The Bata dance is strongly associated with the god of thunder Shango.

Yoruba musicians

We hope that this culture will last for many more years and stay relevant in Nigerian history.

africa african culture african history african tribe black history nigeria yoruba yoruba tradition
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Telegram Email
Precious Obadara

Related Posts

Tv Show on Ethiopia’s Queen Sheba in the Works 

January 28, 2023

South African farmer warns of Lots of food shortages 

January 27, 2023

Nigerian Professor, Dr Iwuchukwu, stabbed to death by his Wife In Pennsylvania 

January 27, 2023

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Top Posts

Ortencia Alcantara And Her Involvement In The Death Of Kevin Samuels

May 7, 202230,944

Relationship Coach Derrick Jackson Announces Divorce From His Wife, After Getting Caught With Another Woman 

December 10, 202215,799

24 year old Ugandan Woman, Monica Karungi ‘Mona Kizz’, Jumps To Her Death From Dubai Skyscraper

May 3, 202211,367

Sandra Regina, Pele’s Secret Daughter Named In His Will, Despite Denying Her All Her Life 

January 18, 20239,259
Don't Miss
Kids Corner

Nicholas Buamah, an 11-Year-Old Boy Creates a Sitcom About Smart Kids of Color 

By AdaugoJanuary 28, 20230

Not only is Nicholas Buamah a show creator but he’s also an author of 3 published books and runs his own nonprofit, Books Without Borders, Inc.

Florida Teens To Sue Gov. DeSantis Over Rejection Of AP African American Studies Course 

January 28, 2023

Tv Show on Ethiopia’s Queen Sheba in the Works 

January 28, 2023

Tyre Nichols: Memphis police to release fatal beating footage 

January 27, 2023
Stay In Touch
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • WhatsApp

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Be the first to get breaking news, historical events, culture, fashion, politics, business, entertainment, celebrity, and healthcare updates from beautiful Africans across the globe straight to your inbox

About Us
About Us

MBBA Global is Africa's no.1 platform for breaking news, historical events, culture, fashion, politics, business, entertainment, celebrity, and healthcare updates from beautiful Africans across the globe.

Facebook Twitter YouTube WhatsApp
Editor's Picks

Nicholas Buamah, an 11-Year-Old Boy Creates a Sitcom About Smart Kids of Color 

January 28, 2023

Florida Teens To Sue Gov. DeSantis Over Rejection Of AP African American Studies Course 

January 28, 2023

Tv Show on Ethiopia’s Queen Sheba in the Works 

January 28, 2023
Latest Events

Four African American Celebrities That Recently Became Citizens Of African Countries

January 6, 20201,427

American Actress, Lisa Raye Crowned “Queen Mother Of Ghana” by “king” Yahweh

November 5, 2019109

The African Wedding That Has Left Many Jaws Dropping

May 30, 201865

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.