No fairytale
Andrew Princz | Jun 29, 2010 | Comments 1
Grandiose celebration of dance, horsemanship and indigenous culture at the Abuja Carnival. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com
The beat at Nigeria’s colourful Abuja Carnival
(Abuja) It doesn’t take much to become the subject of local curiosity in Nigeria, if you are two very Caucasian-looking ‘tourists’ among a sea of many thousands of passionately dancing Africans as they sing and sweat to the beats of traditional wooden drums at the first Abuja Carnival.
There we were among the few non-locals at this grandiose celebration of dance, horsemanship and indigenous culture late last year in the Nigerian capital.
Upwards of 10,000 people participated in this intoxicating cultural fiesta from the country’s very diverse 36 states. It was all part of an ambitious plan of the Nigerian government to celebrate its some 250 ethnic groups to ultimately encourage the world to discover Nigeria. The government hopes one day to make the country a tourist paradise ‘beauty in diversity read one slogan.
We were even handed curious video’s describing the mythical significance of the oddly shaped rocks of Jos in Plateau State, or the secrets of the ancient Sukur people – a migrant ethnic group who live in a remote corner of Adawama State in the eastern part of the country.
I had little problem believing how the vast area hides what was termed ‘latent potential’. It was, I was told, “a world full of fascinations and fresh discoveries”.Those executives have a tough battle on their hands, however. Nigeria, which has taken the lead in Africa’s battle to find African solutions to the continents challenges, is not out of the woods.
One of the largest oil-producing nations, Nigeria – despite its best efforts – remains a country which has gained a reputation for banditry, ethnic strife, corruption, the presence of hostage-taking insurgents. This, as the country’s leadership walks the fine line keeping peace among the Christian south and the Islamic north. Yet we grasped at the heartbeat of Africa. We harnessed the best of Nigeria, dangers and all.
Here dance, music, a durbar or a boat regatta are not mere performances, but they are an integral part of daily life in small villages, kingdoms or emirates. Tens of thousands poured into the streets of Abuja for the carnival procession, a day-long feast of color, music and dance.
Then there was a traditional Durbar from the Northern, Muslim states. Some 800 ornately dressed and decorated horses and horsemen displayed rich regalia in honor of their Emirs, Sultans and Kings. This is the reality of life here, and not a fairytale.
These four days of carnival revealed a glimpse of mystery, generous smiles, warm hospitality, reserved expressions, and wide-eyed curiosity. We towards them and they towards us. We felt like we had been taken back to something extremely ancient. Like Greece at the time of the first Olympic Games.
But in Nigeria it was not enough to be a passive viewer. Suddenly we were literally thrust right into thick of a boat regatta. I was swept onto a ceremonious wooden craft that leaked from small crevices and cracks that I tried to cover with my bare toes. But nobody seemed as disturbed as I was.
The boat was crammed with exotic and very beautiful women from Bayelsa State in Southern Nigeria. These beautiful and smiling young women spoke loudly in pigeon English as they prepared for the show. They looked ravishing in their royal-blue head-dresses, silky white tops and beaded necklaces.
As we cast off, another wooden boat of severe looking spear-laden warriors started to paddle around ours. They, I was told, were the guardian warriors of the boat from Bayelsa State. It was somewhat of a consolation as one of the young ladies frantically scooped out the water that had leaked into our boat.
We paddled in unison onto the waters as the pounding rays of the late-afternoon sun beat down on us. The pulsing beats of drums edged us on. Periodically the toxic dance movements of a corpulent “queen” at the front of the boat set off the wailing cries of the picturesque Nigerian women, who in unison cried out a song about a lost leader.
I paddled with them, sang and smiled in amazement. Was this scene for real? Boat after boat joined in the fray as the wailing sounds grew louder and louder into a fervent apex.
Apparently the cameras of Nigeria’s national broadcaster had zoomed in on the white man on the boat of Bayelsa State. As we made our way onto the shore, a slew of reporters rushed me. It felt strange to be an attraction among all these extraordinary goings-on.
![The Durbar: The word Durbar is derived from the Urdu (Indian) language meaning "audience hall". The Durbar at the first Abuja Festival was marked with a conspicuous display of ornately dressed horsemen who were attired in regalia, rich costumes and decorations. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria1-300x225.jpg "The Durbar: The word Durbar is derived from the Urdu (Indian) language meaning \"audience hall\". The Durbar at the first Abuja Festival was marked with a conspicuous display of ornately dressed horsemen who were attired in regalia, rich costumes and decorations. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
The Durbar: The word Durbar is derived from the Urdu (Indian) language meaning "audience hall". The Durbar at the first Abuja Festival was marked with a conspicuous display of ornately dressed horsemen who were attired in regalia, rich costumes and decorations. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![The Durbar: The Durbar is celebrated by the emirates in the northern states of Nigeria. The colorful celebrations are rooted in royalty, kingship and devotion. Each tribe bore differently coloured dress, and the warriors of some Emirs were followed by spear-laden horsemen. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria2-300x245.jpg "The Durbar: The Durbar is celebrated by the emirates in the northern states of Nigeria. The colorful celebrations are rooted in royalty, kingship and devotion. Each tribe bore differently coloured dress, and the warriors of some Emirs were followed by spear-laden horsemen. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
The Durbar: The Durbar is celebrated by the emirates in the northern states of Nigeria. The colorful celebrations are rooted in royalty, kingship and devotion. Each tribe bore differently coloured dress, and the warriors of some Emirs were followed by spear-laden horsemen. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![The Durbar: Horses at the Durbar are decorated with ornate and intricately crafted beads woven to the seal of the power of the various emirates. The elaborate processions of each emirate revealed the past or current estimation of the wealth of the emirate. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria3-300x254.jpg "The Durbar: Horses at the Durbar are decorated with ornate and intricately crafted beads woven to the seal of the power of the various emirates. The elaborate processions of each emirate revealed the past or current estimation of the wealth of the emirate. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
The Durbar: Horses at the Durbar are decorated with ornate and intricately crafted beads woven to the seal of the power of the various emirates. The elaborate processions of each emirate revealed the past or current estimation of the wealth of the emirate. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![The Durbar: During the Durbar the representatives of the Sultans and Emirs were sometimes accompanies by the leaders themselves. They ceremoniously met and paraded in front of other groups. Loud noises, drum rolls and other elements of pagentry accompanied these meetings. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria4-300x224.jpg "The Durbar: During the Durbar the representatives of the Sultans and Emirs were sometimes accompanies by the leaders themselves. They ceremoniously met and paraded in front of other groups. Loud noises, drum rolls and other elements of pagentry accompanied these meetings. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
The Durbar: During the Durbar the representatives of the Sultans and Emirs were sometimes accompanies by the leaders themselves. They ceremoniously met and paraded in front of other groups. Loud noises, drum rolls and other elements of pagentry accompanied these meetings. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![The Durbar: The Durbar is usually celebrated to mark the annual Eid-el-Fitr and Eid-el-Kabir festivals in major cities and towns of Northern Nigeria. The festival originates from Katsina, and dates back to 1912. The Durbar begins with an engaging display of groups of horsemen racing at full gallop across the grounds with swords drawn, portraying their horsemanship, war preparedness and loyalty to the Sultan or the Emir and traditional institutions, drumming, dancing, singing, clowns, snake charmers and sword-charmed dancers. The Durbar is a significant event, where various groups are identified by their warriors, hunters and farmers. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria5-300x271.jpg "The Durbar: The Durbar is usually celebrated to mark the annual Eid-el-Fitr and Eid-el-Kabir festivals in major cities and towns of Northern Nigeria. The festival originates from Katsina, and dates back to 1912. The Durbar begins with an engaging display of groups of horsemen racing at full gallop across the grounds with swords drawn, portraying their horsemanship, war preparedness and loyalty to the Sultan or the Emir and traditional institutions, drumming, dancing, singing, clowns, snake charmers and sword-charmed dancers. The Durbar is a significant event, where various groups are identified by their warriors, hunters and farmers. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
The Durbar: The Durbar is usually celebrated to mark the annual Eid-el-Fitr and Eid-el-Kabir festivals in major cities and towns of Northern Nigeria. The festival originates from Katsina, and dates back to 1912. The Durbar begins with an engaging display of groups of horsemen racing at full gallop across the grounds with swords drawn, portraying their horsemanship, war preparedness and loyalty to the Sultan or the Emir and traditional institutions, drumming, dancing, singing, clowns, snake charmers and sword-charmed dancers. The Durbar is a significant event, where various groups are identified by their warriors, hunters and farmers. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![The Durbar: The processions of horsemen in the Durbar reveal the past glories of the emirates before the influence of western culture. Other than the Eid Festival, the durbar is also organized as an entertainment event, to celebrate the visit of important dignitaries as a sign of respect and honor. Today, the Durbar is not restricted to Muslim celebrations, while the traditional Durbar in Kano still ranks as one of the most colourful in the country. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria6-224x300.jpg "The Durbar: The processions of horsemen in the Durbar reveal the past glories of the emirates before the influence of western culture. Other than the Eid Festival, the durbar is also organized as an entertainment event, to celebrate the visit of important dignitaries as a sign of respect and honor. Today, the Durbar is not restricted to Muslim celebrations, while the traditional Durbar in Kano still ranks as one of the most colourful in the country. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
The Durbar: The processions of horsemen in the Durbar reveal the past glories of the emirates before the influence of western culture. Other than the Eid Festival, the durbar is also organized as an entertainment event, to celebrate the visit of important dignitaries as a sign of respect and honor. Today, the Durbar is not restricted to Muslim celebrations, while the traditional Durbar in Kano still ranks as one of the most colourful in the country. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![The Durbar: As night fell, the horses waited to start their journey home. Pictured are just a few of the 800 horses that took part in the ceremonial Durbar at the first Abuja Festival in 2005. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria7-300x225.jpg "The Durbar: As night fell, the horses waited to start their journey home. Pictured are just a few of the 800 horses that took part in the ceremonial Durbar at the first Abuja Festival in 2005. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
The Durbar: As night fell, the horses waited to start their journey home. Pictured are just a few of the 800 horses that took part in the ceremonial Durbar at the first Abuja Festival in 2005. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![The Farin Ruwa Falls in Nasarawa State Nigeria has an abundance of physical attractions ranging from hills, waterfalls, springs, caves, lakes and mountains. The Farin Ruwa falls are a few hours from Abuja, and are reachable by vehicle and a few kilometers of travel by foot. We sat and bathed in the refreshing waters, and enjoyed the mid-day sun. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria8-300x249.jpg "The Farin Ruwa Falls in Nasarawa State Nigeria has an abundance of physical attractions ranging from hills, waterfalls, springs, caves, lakes and mountains. The Farin Ruwa falls are a few hours from Abuja, and are reachable by vehicle and a few kilometers of travel by foot. We sat and bathed in the refreshing waters, and enjoyed the mid-day sun. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
The Farin Ruwa Falls in Nasarawa State Nigeria has an abundance of physical attractions ranging from hills, waterfalls, springs, caves, lakes and mountains. The Farin Ruwa falls are a few hours from Abuja, and are reachable by vehicle and a few kilometers of travel by foot. We sat and bathed in the refreshing waters, and enjoyed the mid-day sun. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![The rocks of Jos Situated just north of Abuja in Plateau State, the rocks of Jos are a series of dispersed rock and boulder formations that nature creatively positioned. Rocks bear mythical and legendary significance in Nigeria, and have been endowed with religious tales of legendary significance. Worshiped, given godly names, many stones serve as places of worship or are used as locations for initation rites. Here we met with locals who asked for donations for their leader. We engaged in a debate, encouraging them to offer services. We suggested that they offer insight into the rock formations at Jos. The locals were friendly, open and kind-hearted. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria9-300x142.jpg "The rocks of Jos Situated just north of Abuja in Plateau State, the rocks of Jos are a series of dispersed rock and boulder formations that nature creatively positioned. Rocks bear mythical and legendary significance in Nigeria, and have been endowed with religious tales of legendary significance. Worshiped, given godly names, many stones serve as places of worship or are used as locations for initation rites. Here we met with locals who asked for donations for their leader. We engaged in a debate, encouraging them to offer services. We suggested that they offer insight into the rock formations at Jos. The locals were friendly, open and kind-hearted. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
The rocks of Jos Situated just north of Abuja in Plateau State, the rocks of Jos are a series of dispersed rock and boulder formations that nature creatively positioned. Rocks bear mythical and legendary significance in Nigeria, and have been endowed with religious tales of legendary significance. Worshiped, given godly names, many stones serve as places of worship or are used as locations for initation rites. Here we met with locals who asked for donations for their leader. We engaged in a debate, encouraging them to offer services. We suggested that they offer insight into the rock formations at Jos. The locals were friendly, open and kind-hearted. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![The Farin Ruwa Falls in Nasarawa State Nigeria has been trying to highlight the natural and cultural richess of the country in order to increase the tourism potential of the country. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria10-224x300.jpg "The Farin Ruwa Falls in Nasarawa State Nigeria has been trying to highlight the natural and cultural richess of the country in order to increase the tourism potential of the country. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
The Farin Ruwa Falls in Nasarawa State Nigeria has been trying to highlight the natural and cultural richess of the country in order to increase the tourism potential of the country. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![Villagers of the Kulere tribe On the way to the Farin Ruwa Falls in Nasarawa State, we were greeted by villagers of the Kulere Tribe who showed us how they made rice. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria11-300x237.jpg "Villagers of the Kulere tribe On the way to the Farin Ruwa Falls in Nasarawa State, we were greeted by villagers of the Kulere Tribe who showed us how they made rice. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
Villagers of the Kulere tribe On the way to the Farin Ruwa Falls in Nasarawa State, we were greeted by villagers of the Kulere Tribe who showed us how they made rice. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![Villagers of the Kulere tribe Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria12-300x236.jpg "Villagers of the Kulere tribe Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
Villagers of the Kulere tribe Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![Textiles: Textile arts go back centuries in Nigeria. Cloth weaving and regalia are fashioned according to the status of the individual. Textile designs were used to distinguish social class and even the occupation of the wearer. Each indigenous textile is associated to a particular part of the country. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria13-225x300.jpg "Textiles: Textile arts go back centuries in Nigeria. Cloth weaving and regalia are fashioned according to the status of the individual. Textile designs were used to distinguish social class and even the occupation of the wearer. Each indigenous textile is associated to a particular part of the country. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
Textiles: Textile arts go back centuries in Nigeria. Cloth weaving and regalia are fashioned according to the status of the individual. Textile designs were used to distinguish social class and even the occupation of the wearer. Each indigenous textile is associated to a particular part of the country. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![Traditional music: It is said that music is the essence of Nigerian life, with popular music being found in every ethnic group. The country's wealth of some 250 seperate enthnicities, and music plays an important part of both the recreation and religious life of the people. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria14-300x224.jpg "Traditional music: It is said that music is the essence of Nigerian life, with popular music being found in every ethnic group. The country's wealth of some 250 seperate enthnicities, and music plays an important part of both the recreation and religious life of the people. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
Traditional music: It is said that music is the essence of Nigerian life, with popular music being found in every ethnic group. The country's wealth of some 250 seperate enthnicities, and music plays an important part of both the recreation and religious life of the people. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![The masquerade fiesta One of the greatest sights of African culture grandeur is the plethora of intricate, vigorous, delicate and acrobatic dance steps that are present in every community. Dances exist for every occasion and for every age-group. It is a living form of art. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria15-300x225.jpg "The masquerade fiesta One of the greatest sights of African culture grandeur is the plethora of intricate, vigorous, delicate and acrobatic dance steps that are present in every community. Dances exist for every occasion and for every age-group. It is a living form of art. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
The masquerade fiesta One of the greatest sights of African culture grandeur is the plethora of intricate, vigorous, delicate and acrobatic dance steps that are present in every community. Dances exist for every occasion and for every age-group. It is a living form of art. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![The masquerade fiesta: In Nigeriatransitions in the life of an individual are marked by dance: be it birth, marriage, title-taking or even death. All are accompanied by music and dance displays. There are maiden dances, war dances, harvest dances, initiation dances, ritual dances and dances associated with particular occupations such as fishing, blacksmithing and farming. These dances take place amid colourful costumes, adding excitement and beauty to the event. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria16-300x224.jpg "The masquerade fiesta: In Nigeriatransitions in the life of an individual are marked by dance: be it birth, marriage, title-taking or even death. All are accompanied by music and dance displays. There are maiden dances, war dances, harvest dances, initiation dances, ritual dances and dances associated with particular occupations such as fishing, blacksmithing and farming. These dances take place amid colourful costumes, adding excitement and beauty to the event. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
The masquerade fiesta: In Nigeriatransitions in the life of an individual are marked by dance: be it birth, marriage, title-taking or even death. All are accompanied by music and dance displays. There are maiden dances, war dances, harvest dances, initiation dances, ritual dances and dances associated with particular occupations such as fishing, blacksmithing and farming. These dances take place amid colourful costumes, adding excitement and beauty to the event. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![The masquerade fiesta Colourful beads adorn a dancer at the masquerade fiesta. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria17-225x300.jpg "The masquerade fiesta Colourful beads adorn a dancer at the masquerade fiesta. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
The masquerade fiesta Colourful beads adorn a dancer at the masquerade fiesta. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![The masquerade fiesta: Masquerades represent incarnated ancestral spirits visiting their descendants to entertain, give guidance, commend, exorcise evil spirits and chastise evil-doers. Masquerades are also used to grace ceremonial occasions. Their elaborately created physical presence therefore evokes a wide range of feelings, from approbation and appreciation to fear and awe. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria18-224x300.jpg "The masquerade fiesta: Masquerades represent incarnated ancestral spirits visiting their descendants to entertain, give guidance, commend, exorcise evil spirits and chastise evil-doers. Masquerades are also used to grace ceremonial occasions. Their elaborately created physical presence therefore evokes a wide range of feelings, from approbation and appreciation to fear and awe. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
The masquerade fiesta: Masquerades represent incarnated ancestral spirits visiting their descendants to entertain, give guidance, commend, exorcise evil spirits and chastise evil-doers. Masquerades are also used to grace ceremonial occasions. Their elaborately created physical presence therefore evokes a wide range of feelings, from approbation and appreciation to fear and awe. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![Traditional dance Dance at the first Abuja Carnival was prevalent, with a rich variety of dancers clad in colourful costumes that add to the excitement of dance. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria19-225x300.jpg "Traditional dance Dance at the first Abuja Carnival was prevalent, with a rich variety of dancers clad in colourful costumes that add to the excitement of dance. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
Traditional dance Dance at the first Abuja Carnival was prevalent, with a rich variety of dancers clad in colourful costumes that add to the excitement of dance. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![The Masquerade Fiesta on the Carnival Route: From the east to the west and from the north to the south, there are dances associated with every age-group. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria20-300x243.jpg "The Masquerade Fiesta on the Carnival Route: From the east to the west and from the north to the south, there are dances associated with every age-group. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
The Masquerade Fiesta on the Carnival Route: From the east to the west and from the north to the south, there are dances associated with every age-group. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![Military traditions: In military traditions, there is ceremonially called a command performance. It brings out the best and richest traditions of military ceremony. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria21-300x224.jpg "Military traditions: In military traditions, there is ceremonially called a command performance. It brings out the best and richest traditions of military ceremony. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
Military traditions: In military traditions, there is ceremonially called a command performance. It brings out the best and richest traditions of military ceremony. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![Standing proud: The faces revealed the pride of each participant in representing his or her state or region of origin. Where in Africa, many ethnic languages or traditions are being lost or forgotten, with the Abuja Carnival, these traditions are being celebrated. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria22-300x225.jpg "Standing proud: The faces revealed the pride of each participant in representing his or her state or region of origin. Where in Africa, many ethnic languages or traditions are being lost or forgotten, with the Abuja Carnival, these traditions are being celebrated. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
Standing proud: The faces revealed the pride of each participant in representing his or her state or region of origin. Where in Africa, many ethnic languages or traditions are being lost or forgotten, with the Abuja Carnival, these traditions are being celebrated. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![Abuja Carnival: Three major ethnic groups/languages delineate Nigeria. The Hausa/Fulani in the North, the Yoruba in the West and the lgbo in the East. There are also hundreds of tribes and ethnic groups which contribute to the country's rich cultural diversity. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria23-225x300.jpg "Abuja Carnival: Three major ethnic groups/languages delineate Nigeria. The Hausa/Fulani in the North, the Yoruba in the West and the lgbo in the East. There are also hundreds of tribes and ethnic groups which contribute to the country's rich cultural diversity. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
Abuja Carnival: Three major ethnic groups/languages delineate Nigeria. The Hausa/Fulani in the North, the Yoruba in the West and the lgbo in the East. There are also hundreds of tribes and ethnic groups which contribute to the country's rich cultural diversity. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![A living culture: The Abuja Carnival was full of surprises. Masked figures made of curious elements, musical instruments and costumes. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria24-300x224.jpg "A living culture: The Abuja Carnival was full of surprises. Masked figures made of curious elements, musical instruments and costumes. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
A living culture: The Abuja Carnival was full of surprises. Masked figures made of curious elements, musical instruments and costumes. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![Ara: A performance of the Nigerian artist Ara, who performs on the traditional instrument, the Talking Drum. Ara is one of Nigeria's most important cultural exports, and most recently played her Talking Drum with a symphony orchestra in Paris at the 60th Anniversary celebrations of UNESCO. The Talking Drum has historically been the preserve of men, but Ara defied her critics and has since become a master on the instrument. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria25-300x225.jpg "Ara: A performance of the Nigerian artist Ara, who performs on the traditional instrument, the Talking Drum. Ara is one of Nigeria's most important cultural exports, and most recently played her Talking Drum with a symphony orchestra in Paris at the 60th Anniversary celebrations of UNESCO. The Talking Drum has historically been the preserve of men, but Ara defied her critics and has since become a master on the instrument. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
Ara: A performance of the Nigerian artist Ara, who performs on the traditional instrument, the Talking Drum. Ara is one of Nigeria's most important cultural exports, and most recently played her Talking Drum with a symphony orchestra in Paris at the 60th Anniversary celebrations of UNESCO. The Talking Drum has historically been the preserve of men, but Ara defied her critics and has since become a master on the instrument. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![African China: Crowds became enraptured when the group African China took to the stage. A critical but positive voice, the group's music appeals to the man on the street. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria26-300x225.jpg "African China: Crowds became enraptured when the group African China took to the stage. A critical but positive voice, the group's music appeals to the man on the street. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
African China: Crowds became enraptured when the group African China took to the stage. A critical but positive voice, the group's music appeals to the man on the street. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![Boat Regatta In ancient times, both the boat regatta and the durbar were instruments of preparation for war. Today, the boat regatta is a display of the rich cultural heritage of the riverine people of Nigeria. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria27-224x300.jpg "Boat Regatta In ancient times, both the boat regatta and the durbar were instruments of preparation for war. Today, the boat regatta is a display of the rich cultural heritage of the riverine people of Nigeria. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
Boat Regatta In ancient times, both the boat regatta and the durbar were instruments of preparation for war. Today, the boat regatta is a display of the rich cultural heritage of the riverine people of Nigeria. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![Boat Regatta: During the boat regatta, participants dance, gyrate and put up a performance meant to thrill their audiences. The boats departed the shore, and one by one the participants began to sing their local traditional tunes. Together, the sounds reverberated into a powerful audio display. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria28-300x225.jpg "Boat Regatta: During the boat regatta, participants dance, gyrate and put up a performance meant to thrill their audiences. The boats departed the shore, and one by one the participants began to sing their local traditional tunes. Together, the sounds reverberated into a powerful audio display. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
Boat Regatta: During the boat regatta, participants dance, gyrate and put up a performance meant to thrill their audiences. The boats departed the shore, and one by one the participants began to sing their local traditional tunes. Together, the sounds reverberated into a powerful audio display. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
![Boat Regatta What the horse procession is to the savannah people of Nigeria. the river craft and boat regatta is to the riverine communities of Nigeria. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]](http://www.ontheglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/nigeria29-225x300.jpg "Boat Regatta What the horse procession is to the savannah people of Nigeria. the river craft and boat regatta is to the riverine communities of Nigeria. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA]")
Boat Regatta What the horse procession is to the savannah people of Nigeria. the river craft and boat regatta is to the riverine communities of Nigeria. Photo © Jura Nanuk, ontheglobe.com [NIGERIA
Pretty Interesting and Inspiring Piece; I hope Andrew Princz will be in Nigeria again this year to Celebrate Nigerian’s Golden Jubilee and witness yet another Abuja Carnival like never before.
I will also like to meet and work with him to help promote Culture and Tourism in Nigeria.
Great Piece!!!