10 Interesting Things We Know About the Igbo Tribe

10 Interesting Things We Know About the Igbo Tribe

Igbo tribe, indigenous to the southeastern part of Nigeria are an ethnic group well-known for their enterprising, independent and adventurous nature. Natively referred to as Ndi Igbo, the tribe is popular for its variety of food, dance, music, musical instruments, festival and culture. With “Igbo” being their principal native language, the society boasts of about 45 million speakers and over 20 dialects. Igbo people are creative and talented as shown in both traditional and modern music. Enjoy, as we share interesting facts about the Igbo people. 

• The Igbo society boast of a variety of soups such as Oha, Nsala, Akwu, Okazi and Ofe Owerri. These soups are made from locally grown vegetables and seeds.
• The vibrant and colourful attire, Isiagu is commonly worn by Igbo people during notable ceremonies such as the chieftaincy occasion.
• The Igbo tribe are the pioneer of the Omugwo tradition now practised in many parts of Nigeria. This tradition accords special care to new and nursing mothers. They are usually supported by their experienced mothers, mothers-in-law or older aunties for about 40 days after delivery.
• Igbo people boast of the Ndebe Script Project, the first completed Igbo writing system in history. The Ndebe script is unique, original and pays homage to the old Nsibidi logographs. It was invented in 2009 by Lotanna Igwe –Odunze, a writer, illustrator and Ios Engineer.
• The Igbo society confers different titles to deserving members of the community. A prestigious one is the Ozo title for men, Ichie, Aruma and others.
• Women are also recognized title holders in the Igbo community. A good example is an Iyom title conferred to women of integrity, class and character. It is the highest traditional society women can aspire to belong to
• Igbo people are one of the creatives leading the charge in the Nigerian music industry. There is Phyno, Flavour, Chidinma, Illbliss, Psquare, Tekno, Patoranking, Runtown, Zoro and a host of others
• Igbo music is generally lively, upbeat and spontaneous. Popular Igbo music styles are Igbo highlife, Igbo bongo, and Odumodu. Igbo musicians intensify the rhythm of their music by using traditional instruments such as Ekwe (slit drum) and Udu (drum).
• In the 1950s, the highlife genre was very popular and musicians performed around Africa and Europe. Notable highlife artists included Oriental Brothers, Oliver De Coque, Chief Osita Osadebe, Celestine Ukwu and others. 
• Igbo people fly the Nigerian flag proudly around the world. They have one of the best creatives including writers and artists. There is Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Cyprian Ekwensi, Ben Enwonwu (sculptor)

Read Also: Isiagu

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