okwuid

[okwuid]

Y2K NOLLYWOOD FEST

🎬 Y2K Nollywood Fest At Okwu ID, we’re a cultural platform dedicated to celebrating Igbo, Nigerian, and African creativity. Whether you’re rolling deep or coming solo, this is your chance to dress up, meet people, have fun, and enjoy a day party that’s full of bold energy and throwback flair dedicated to celebrating Igbo Nollywood and the Y2K era. Join us this 9th August at CQ Lounge for Y2K…

[okwuid]

Rethinking the Osu Status: Why “Osu = Slave” Is Misleading

What Is Osu? If you search “Osu in Nigeria”, the most visible results often describe Osu as a slave caste. Articles from major outlets such as the BBC and The New Yorker frame Osu as hereditary slaves, often grouped with the Ohu (people enslaved by humans) and described as descendants of those who were excluded from society. These pieces highlight real discrimination that persists today,…

[okwuid]

TITANS OF AFRICA: NIGERIA & CONGO IN CONVERSATION

Join us on April 12th for the latest instalment of Okwu ID’s Culture Exchange series, where we bring together youth from the Nigeiran Igbo Diaspora and other diasporas to connect, share, and learn from one another. This time, we’re focusing on Congo, offering a unique opportunity to explore the rich history, culture, and experiences of our communities. Expect engaging discussions, cultural…

[okwuid]

The Igbo Gala 2025: Photo Gallery

Following this summer’s OkwuFest, it was fantastic to see the hundreds of people who joined our first Igbo Gala hosted with our partners Ozo! It was truly a beautiful sight—everyone dressed to the nines, enjoying the connections, the activities, the dancing, the fashion show, and so much more. Here are some of our favourite shots from the gala—we hope to see you at the next one!

[okwuid]

The Igbo Influence on The Lion King: Mufasa

The beloved Disney movie The Lion King features many characters and names that hold deeper meanings and connections to various cultures. One such influence is the Igbo language, which plays a subtle yet significant role in shaping the characters, adding layers of depth to the story. Obasi: The Strong Leader In The Lion King, Obasi is a powerful and wise character, the leader of the last…

[okwuid]

The Igbo Gala 2025: A Celebration of Igbo Culture and Excellence

What Is the Igbo Gala? The Igbo Gala is a unique and vibrant event celebrating the rich heritage, culture, and achievements of the Igbo community. Hosted by Okwu ID and Ozo, this inaugural gala invites young Igbos in the UK to unite for a night of music, dance, fashion, and culinary delights—all in honour of Igbo excellence and community spirit. Event Details Date: Saturday, 1 February…

[okwuid]

What Is the Igbo Word for Tiger, Lion, and Leopard?

Common question: “What is tiger name in Igbo?“ A common debate in the Igbo language revolves around naming big cats like tigers, lions, and leopards. Specifically, people often ask: what does the word agụ actually refer to? Let’s dive into this topic and settle the discussion once and for all. The Word “Agụ” If we take a closer look, it’s clear that agụ is often used as a general term for big…

[okwuid]

OkwuFest 2024

OkwuFest 2024: The Third Evolution of our Cultural Celebration This year’s OkwuFest marked the third installment of our flagship summer event, and it was nothing short of spectacular! With over 350 tickets gone, it became our biggest and most memorable event to date. Attendees came dressed to impress, ready to celebrate and immerse themselves in the vibrant Igbo themed culture that OkwuFest…

[okwuid]

How to Translate Igbo Names? – A Basic Breakdown

So, what’s your name in Igbo? – “Kedu afa gi?“ Nigerian names can sometimes be challenging to pronounce, let alone break down and understand. But when it comes to Igbo names, there’s some good news: they are made up of smaller words, each carrying significant meaning. Once you learn how to break them down, it becomes much easier to understand what the name really means, and you’ll gain a deeper…

[okwuid]

The Igbo Renaissance: A Conversation with Anierobi, Founder of Okwuo

In the summer of 2023, I had the opportunity to sit down with Anierobi Anionwu, the founder of Okwuo, a platform dedicated to telling the untold stories of the Igbo people. As someone who shares a passion for preserving and promoting Igbo culture through my work with Okwu ID, it was an enlightening and thought-provoking conversation. During which we explored the evolving role of culture,…

[okwuid]

What is Harmattan Season and its Impact on Climate, Vegetation, and Daily Life

The Harmattan season, locally known as ‘ụ́gụ̀rụ̀’ in Igbo, is a dry and dusty period in Southeastern Nigeria and other West African countries like Ghana and Ivory Coast. It occurs from late November to mid-March, bringing cooler temperatures, reduced humidity, and a hazy sky filled with fine dust from the Sahara Desert. The actual meaning of the word is a late 17th-century adaptation from the…

[okwuid]

Okpu-Agu Hat: Symbolism, History, and Cultural Significance in Igbo Tradition

The Okpu-Agu Hat The Okpu-Agu is a knitted woollen hat, somewhat cone-shaped with a bob at the end. This bob is the ‘tail’ of the hat. It has intricate patterns of red, white, and black stripes, representing the spots of a leopard, an animal known for its strength and bravery among the Igbo people. The Okpu-Agu is traditionally worn by warriors in Igbo land, especially by the men of Ohafia,…

[okwuid]

6 common Igbo Cultural Festivals:

Understanding Igbo Culture Through Festivals New Yam Festival (Iriji, Iwaji, or Ikeji)  The New Yam Festival, known as Iriji, Iwaji, or Ikeji in Igbo, is an annual cultural celebration among the Igbo people, typically held in early August after the rainy season. It marks the presentation of newly harvested yams to the ancestors, expressing gratitude for a successful planting season and the…

[okwuid]

5 Essential Greetings in Igbo (With Audio!)

Greetings in Igboland are more than just words exchanged in passing; they hold deep cultural significance and are a key part of social interactions. In some parts of Igboland, people are greeted according to their title or position in society. However, the following greetings can be used across the region: Ndewo (Nnọọ) Ndewo is a versatile greeting in Igbo used for welcoming and acknowledging…

[okwuid]

Amadioha: The Igbo God of Thunder and Lightning

Who is Amadioha? Amadioha is revered as the Igbo god of thunder and lightning and is the partner of Ani, the earth goddess. Known by various names such as Kamalu, Kamanu, or Ofufe across different regions of Igboland, Amadioha stands as one of the most significant deities in Igbo religion (Odinala/Odinani). His formidable presence is marked by his ruthless methods of punishment. The deity’s…

[okwuid]

Where is Igbo spoken?

IgboFest in houston NigeriaThe Igbo language is one of Nigeria’s three major languages, primarily spoken by the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. It belongs to the Niger-Congo language family and is part of the Volta-Niger subgroup. Igbo is a tonal language, where the tone of pronunciation can alter a word’s meaning. It is spoken by an estimated 25 to 30 million people, mainly in states like…

[okwuid]

The Cultural Significance of the Igbo August Meeting

At the heart of Igbo communities lies an age-old tradition, particularly significant for women—the Igbo August Meeting. This annual congress, held in August, draws Igbo women from various corners of the world (Home and Abroad) back to their ancestral villages, where they engage in discussions and collectively shape the future of their communities. Historical Background Historically, women in…