amaniro:
In Abia state we identify our masquerade as "Ekpo"

Jokwa

Boyembo:
Copied from wikipedia...That Ijele originated from old Anambra State in Nigeria many centuries ago is not in doubt. According to UNESCO recent commentary on the Origin of Ijele Masquarade, It is believed that a dance group called Akunechenyi from Umuleri & Aguleri communities along the eastern tributaries of the River Niger in Anambra State gave rise to Ijele. ...Op please get your facts right...

Akunechenyi is originally from Nando, all the Omambala towns later copied it before it somehow evolved into what everybody knows as Ijele now. Akunechenyi still comes out in Omambala towns till date

amaniro:
In Abia state we identify our masquerade as "Ekpo"

It was adopted from the ibibios of akwa ibom

Thane:


Akunechenyi is originally from Nando, all the Omambala towns later copied it before it somehow evolved into what everybody knows as Ijele now. Akunechenyi still comes out in Omambala towns till date

Ijele is the greatest masquerade followed by izaga.i only saw izaga twice

Agaba:
The Agaba masquerade as a character is that of a warrior represented in its name that literally connotes “lets go”. The Agaba major attribute is warrior-like prowess, which specializes, in ritual manifestations. The chanting that accompanies the Agaba cut across ethnic dialects and cultures among the Igbos.

Op, I am not so convinced with your explanation concerning Agaba. It literally means let's-go in Igbo. But however, means warrior, belligerence, lion in the neighbouring Idoma land. The Idoma paramount ruler is addressed as Agaba-Idu signifying the lion. My point is that the meaning and symbol of Agaba in Idoma resonates with the symbol in Igboland rather than the ordinary meaning you gave in Igbo which I thought was far removed from the concept of Agaba.

fatymore:
leave me ooo

I won't leave you. We're stuck to each other.

AyakaDunukofia:


Op, I am not so convinced with your explanation concerning Agaba. It literally means let's-go in Igbo. But however, means warrior, belligerence, lion in the neighbouring Idoma land. The Idoma paramount ruler is addressed as Agaba-Idu signifying the lion. My point is that the meaning and symbol of Agaba in Idoma resonates with the symbol in Igboland rather than the ordinary meaning you gave in Igbo which I thought was far removed from the concept of Agaba.

The events of the first Mmanwu I witnessed as a child would forever remain stamped on my consciousness. Among the thirteen masqueraders that entertained the crowd that hot afternoon, the acrobatic displays of the Agaba was nonpareil; even the other twelve seemed to be mere followers of Agaba. The crown of its head – like that of a peacock, or the tail of a thoroughbred – swung majestically as it danced and we cheered. Unlike the others that would occasionally take some few steps towards terror-stricken children and cause them to dash off like major Temple Run characters, the Agaba’s interest was to impress the crowd with its warrior-like prowess and magical manifestations.

The most amazing feat Agaba performed was its demonstration of the impossible; it crossed the river to the other side and back absent canoe. Agaba walked on water before our very eyes! This was something no other masquerader had ever done in the history of our village. The crowd roared with surprise and admiration as they clapped their hands. I remember the chief priests nodding proudly as if they were the ones who performed the miracle.

Agaba returned just as dry as it was before making the sensational display. As if that was not enough to scare the broad daylight out of us children – out of me particularly, something else we didn’t see coming sufficed. Just out of nowhere, fire caught Agaba’s clothing made chiefly of bamboo rafters. No one knew how it happened but later rumours revealed that one jealous masquerader from the other twelve had betrayed Agaba by setting fire on him through sorcery.

Agaba’s power was probably not strong enough to douse the fire; and so there before the hundreds of people watching, the masquerader pulled off its coat.

Behold, Agaba was the village’s Catholic priest!

Interesting.

millyj:
My husband is Delta ibo and the main masquerade in their town is the Agaba

Madam, Please there's nothing like Delta Ibo. Igbo is Igbo no matter the state.

LarrySun:
The events of the first Mmanwu I witnessed as a child would forever remain stamped on my consciousness. Among the thirteen masqueraders that entertained the crowd that hot afternoon, the acrobatic displays of the Agaba was nonpareil; even the other twelve seemed to be mere followers of Agaba. The crown of its head – like that of a peacock, or the tail of a thoroughbred – swung majestically as it danced and we cheered. Unlike the others that would occasionally take some few steps towards terror-stricken children and cause them to dash off like major Temple Run characters, the Agaba’s interest was to impress the crowd with its warrior-like prowess and magical manifestations.

The most amazing feat Agaba performed was its demonstration of the impossible; it crossed the river to the other side and back absent canoe. Agaba walked on water before our very eyes! This was something no other masquerader had ever done in the history of our village. The crowd roared with surprise and admiration as they clapped their hands. I remember the chief priests nodding proudly as if they were the ones who performed the miracle.

Agaba returned just as dry as it was before making the sensational display. As if that was not enough to scare the broad daylight out of us children – out of me particularly, something else we didn’t see coming sufficed. Just out of nowhere, fire caught Agaba’s clothing made chiefly of bamboo rafters. No one knew how it happened but later rumours revealed that one jealous masquerader from the other twelve had betrayed Agaba by setting fire on him through sorcery.

Agaba’s power was probably not strong enough to douse the fire; and so there before the hundreds of people watching, the masquerader pulled off its coat.

Behold, Agaba was the village’s Catholic priest!

wat a story

Cc Afamed helinues ebenezar2020 imhotep iceberg3 iammo metaphysical

Shelloween:
In Igbo culture, the masquerade (Mmanwu) embodies the spirit and human worlds. The mystique surrounding the masquerade is one of the key components of the Igbo culture that survived Western influences,

It is generally believed in the Igboland that the masquerade is a spirit which springs from the soil. The masquerades are classified into categories based on specialization. Each masquerade possesses particular attributes (warrior-like prowess, mystical powers, youthfulness, and old age) and specializes in one or more skills (dancing skills, acrobatics, and other ritual manifestations).

Masquerading may involve one person team or a team made up of instrument players, vocalists, dancers, masquerade advisers, and the masquerade itself. Most masquerades are covered from head to toe with some piece of clothing or/and bamboo rafters, a wooden mask is worn over the face. The mask will vary depending on the type of masquerade and the place of origin within the Igboland. Some masks are designed to be beautiful, intimidating or downright sinister. Most masquerades claim to have some mystical powers and are constantly competing to see which one has the most mystical powers, whenever they appear together especially at village squares or funerals. The masquerade appears during traditional celebrations, funerals and festivals especially the new yam festival.

Below are the Top 25 Most Popular Igbo Masquerades

1. Ijele Masquerade

Ijele is a special and most popular Igbo masquerade and the largest mask system ever to enter the history of the world masking tradition. Ijele has its origin from the norther part of Igbo land (Anambra and Enugu State, Nigeria). known as the biggest Masquerade in Sub-Saharan Africa, Ijele was listed in the UNESCO Archives as an intangible cultural element in need of urgent safeguarding.

Ijele masquerade is the King of all Masquerades and as such has 45 different other masquerades perform on top of it in the olden days. Presently, the 45 masquerades are represented by the 45 figurines seen on top of Ijele. The myth and size of Ijele is wholesome as every aspect of life is depicted on Ijele. It is the climax of all masquerades hence performs alone and mostly last.

Cite the source of this post or you remove it.

The most popular masquerade should be Adamma.

TriCee:
I thought you Omitted 'Ajofia', e dey there....your list seems complete though.

The list isn’t complete. Ogbagu isn’t there. It should be in the top ten.

This masquerade only appears in the night during the burial of an important person and isn’t supposed to be seen by women.

Achukwu or achikwu masquerade from Aguata, Orumba is also quite popular. It’s still huge in Ekwulobia town.

Okwori,
Akataka masquerade from Oko and mmanwu asaa are ‘extinct’ due to Christianity.

sassysure:


They are not the best.
Each are unique in their own way.

I came from neighbouring town.
Isuofia has achìkwù too.

Nanka has òsùhù.
Like achìkwù but come out only in the night.

Enugu has wonderful adamma.

If u happen to find yourself in arondizogu during their ikeji, u will feed your eyes or go to any ofala festival.

Achukwu Ekwulobia is still the most popular. People from Isuofia, Nanka, Aguluzoigbo, Oko do visit Ekwulobia for their achukwu.

Afuzo Isuofia, Ugwueke, Oko are not what they used to be back in the days. Only Afo-udo nanka still bubbles with activities due to second-tier masquerades and football.

dfrost:
Where is Ajibusu from Asaba, Delta State?

Most Igbo towns have Ajibuusu nah.
But It's usually considered a small masquerade, certainly not amongst the big ones.

drejr:
The most popular masquerade should be Adamma.

True. And the most beautiful to watch too.
Very good dancer, in fact, the best dancer of them all.
It usually go hand in hand with the Ote nkwu masquerade.

OP, did a great disservice to this thread, by missing out on Adamma masquerade.

Additionally, OP missed out on Okorosha and Ekereke.
These two are very important masquerades in Orlu/Oguta parts of imo state.
Very good dancing masquerades and beautiful to watch.
Infact, Ndiigbo are very rich in culture. The diversity is just so colorful.

Oh, I forgot the Owu masquerade in Imo state too.

AyakaDunukofia:


Op, I am not so convinced with your explanation concerning Agaba. It literally means let's-go in Igbo. But however, means warrior, belligerence, lion in the neighbouring Idoma land. The Idoma paramount ruler is addressed as Agaba-Idu signifying the lion. My point is that the meaning and symbol of Agaba in Idoma resonates with the symbol in Igboland rather than the ordinary meaning you gave in Igbo which I thought was far removed from the concept of Agaba.

True. Agaba has something to do with strength, and resilience.

When I was small, whenever I exhibit manly strenght like breaking lots of strong cut tree trunks into fire wood, with axe for family cooking in the village, my grandfather would be hailing me by calling me "Agaba nwoke", which literally means strong/brave man.

So yes, it's too simplistic to reduce Agaba masquerade to "let's go".

LarrySun:
The events of the first Mmanwu I witnessed as a child would forever remain stamped on my consciousness. Among the thirteen masqueraders that entertained the crowd that hot afternoon, the acrobatic displays of the Agaba was nonpareil; even the other twelve seemed to be mere followers of Agaba. The crown of its head – like that of a peacock, or the tail of a thoroughbred – swung majestically as it danced and we cheered. Unlike the others that would occasionally take some few steps towards terror-stricken children and cause them to dash off like major Temple Run characters, the Agaba’s interest was to impress the crowd with its warrior-like prowess and magical manifestations.

The most amazing feat Agaba performed was its demonstration of the impossible; it crossed the river to the other side and back absent canoe. Agaba walked on water before our very eyes! This was something no other masquerader had ever done in the history of our village. The crowd roared with surprise and admiration as they clapped their hands. I remember the chief priests nodding proudly as if they were the ones who performed the miracle.

Agaba returned just as dry as it was before making the sensational display. As if that was not enough to scare the broad daylight out of us children – out of me particularly, something else we didn’t see coming sufficed. Just out of nowhere, fire caught Agaba’s clothing made chiefly of bamboo rafters. No one knew how it happened but later rumours revealed that one jealous masquerader from the other twelve had betrayed Agaba by setting fire on him through sorcery.

Agaba’s power was probably not strong enough to douse the fire; and so there before the hundreds of people watching, the masquerader pulled off its coat.

Behold, Agaba was the village’s Catholic priest!

It's interesting the catholic priest was the sorcerous Agaba This must have come as a rude shock to the village's catholic community. Such has the potential to earn him excommunication. Well, ome nani bu ome nani.

Nonsense, we should embrace science and technology and forget this premitive ideology, created from wrong understanding of the workings of nature.
Things like the fourth industrial revolution, technological singularity, space exploration, advance physics etc should be our main focus.

pazienza:


True. And the most beautiful to watch too.
Very good dancer, in fact, the best dancer of them all.
It usually go hand in hand with the Ote nkwu masquerade.

OP, did a great disservice to this thread, by missing out on Adamma masquerade.

Additionally, OP missed out on Okorosha and Ekereke.
These two are very important masquerades in Orlu/Oguta parts of imo state.
Very good dancing masquerades and beautiful to watch.
Infact, Ndiigbo are very rich in culture. The diversity is just so colorful.

Oh, I forgot the Owu masquerade in Imo state too.

Come on bro, Adamma is a child masquerade, slightly above ulaga that should not be mentioned anywhere near Ijele.
Meanwhile, Ojionu is far better dancer than Adamma.

That said, Ayaka is the most respected Igbo masquerade but I believe it's mentioned here because it is not mainstream, can't be seen and won't perform in the public, only at night and in a very special occasions, usually once a year.

NaijaFutbol:

Nice try
Nnukwu muonwu puta, obodo awara Oso
Oti mkpu a na-eti, gididi bu ugwu eze!

Not obodo but Ogbodu.
But it sounds like they are saying obodo.

Ogbodu is someone that doesn't know Masquerade.(not in Masquerade cult)

LarrySun:
The events of the first Mmanwu I witnessed as a child would forever remain stamped on my consciousness. Among the thirteen masqueraders that entertained the crowd that hot afternoon, the acrobatic displays of the Agaba was nonpareil; even the other twelve seemed to be mere followers of Agaba. The crown of its head – like that of a peacock, or the tail of a thoroughbred – swung majestically as it danced and we cheered. Unlike the others that would occasionally take some few steps towards terror-stricken children and cause them to dash off like major Temple Run characters, the Agaba’s interest was to impress the crowd with its warrior-like prowess and magical manifestations.

The most amazing feat Agaba performed was its demonstration of the impossible; it crossed the river to the other side and back absent canoe. Agaba walked on water before our very eyes! This was something no other masquerader had ever done in the history of our village. The crowd roared with surprise and admiration as they clapped their hands. I remember the chief priests nodding proudly as if they were the ones who performed the miracle.

Agaba returned just as dry as it was before making the sensational display. As if that was not enough to scare the broad daylight out of us children – out of me particularly, something else we didn’t see coming sufficed. Just out of nowhere, fire caught Agaba’s clothing made chiefly of bamboo rafters. No one knew how it happened but later rumours revealed that one jealous masquerader from the other twelve had betrayed Agaba by setting fire on him through sorcery.

Agaba’s power was probably not strong enough to douse the fire; and so there before the hundreds of people watching, the masquerader pulled off its coat.

Behold, Agaba was the village’s Catholic priest!

Are you serious.is this story truth or just what you were told.

Okwyjesus:


Are you from Arochukwu

No, PH.

Homeboiy:
Obukpa kwenu

Yesterday was our omabe festival

Edi ogbene
Elu nd'ihe
Obodo agu umunocha
Igele umudiogu

Ekwe ,

E too much

Dianyi, Nsukka d'uso

That's the reason what makes the region growing under a curse. Idol worshippers people.

AyakaDunukofia:


Op, I am not so convinced with your explanation concerning Agaba. It literally means let's-go in Igbo. But however, means warrior, belligerence, lion in the neighbouring Idoma land. The Idoma paramount ruler is addressed as Agaba-Idu signifying the lion. My point is that the meaning and symbol of Agaba in Idoma resonates with the symbol in Igboland rather than the ordinary meaning you gave in Igbo which I thought was far removed from the concept of Agaba.

He gave the literal meaning but the real meaning in Igboland is a warrior or warrior spirit. It's the same as what you put up there.

LarrySun:
The events of the first Mmanwu I witnessed as a child would forever remain stamped on my consciousness. Among the thirteen masqueraders that entertained the crowd that hot afternoon, the acrobatic displays of the Agaba was nonpareil; even the other twelve seemed to be mere followers of Agaba. The crown of its head – like that of a peacock, or the tail of a thoroughbred – swung majestically as it danced and we cheered. Unlike the others that would occasionally take some few steps towards terror-stricken children and cause them to dash off like major Temple Run characters, the Agaba’s interest was to impress the crowd with its warrior-like prowess and magical manifestations.

The most amazing feat Agaba performed was its demonstration of the impossible; it crossed the river to the other side and back absent canoe. Agaba walked on water before our very eyes! This was something no other masquerader had ever done in the history of our village. The crowd roared with surprise and admiration as they clapped their hands. I remember the chief priests nodding proudly as if they were the ones who performed the miracle.

Agaba returned just as dry as it was before making the sensational display. As if that was not enough to scare the broad daylight out of us children – out of me particularly, something else we didn’t see coming sufficed. Just out of nowhere, fire caught Agaba’s clothing made chiefly of bamboo rafters. No one knew how it happened but later rumours revealed that one jealous masquerader from the other twelve had betrayed Agaba by setting fire on him through sorcery.

Agaba’s power was probably not strong enough to douse the fire; and so there before the hundreds of people watching, the masquerader pulled off its coat.

Behold, Agaba was the village’s Catholic priest!

chaii could this be true?

In real life, what's the use of a masquerade to human existence? Any one with ideas?

LarrySun:
The events of the first Mmanwu I witnessed as a child would forever remain stamped on my consciousness. Among the thirteen masqueraders that entertained the crowd that hot afternoon, the acrobatic displays of the Agaba was nonpareil; even the other twelve seemed to be mere followers of Agaba. The crown of its head – like that of a peacock, or the tail of a thoroughbred – swung majestically as it danced and we cheered. Unlike the others that would occasionally take some few steps towards terror-stricken children and cause them to dash off like major Temple Run characters, the Agaba’s interest was to impress the crowd with its warrior-like prowess and magical manifestations.

The most amazing feat Agaba performed was its demonstration of the impossible; it crossed the river to the other side and back absent canoe. Agaba walked on water before our very eyes! This was something no other masquerader had ever done in the history of our village. The crowd roared with surprise and admiration as they clapped their hands. I remember the chief priests nodding proudly as if they were the ones who performed the miracle.

Agaba returned just as dry as it was before making the sensational display. As if that was not enough to scare the broad daylight out of us children – out of me particularly, something else we didn’t see coming sufficed. Just out of nowhere, fire caught Agaba’s clothing made chiefly of bamboo rafters. No one knew how it happened but later rumours revealed that one jealous masquerader from the other twelve had betrayed Agaba by setting fire on him through sorcery.

Agaba’s power was probably not strong enough to douse the fire; and so there before the hundreds of people watching, the masquerader pulled off its coat.

Behold, Agaba was the village’s Catholic priest!

Fairy tale or true life story?