Talking about Nigerian music and party. Nigerians all over the world are known to be happy and cheerful people no matter the weather and you probably now understand why celebrations runs in the blood stream of every average Nigerian. Nigerians in America and UK are not left out in the “Owanbe tinzs“. literarily thousands of events that involves Nigerians are organised every weekend ranging from birthday parties, weddings, anniversary and christenings, the list is unending and when it comes to style, fashion and tradition Nigerians seem to go the extra mile to make a statement. As a professional DJ with many years of experience playing at Nigerian parties around the globe. I happened to be in the states for a wedding and during my stay I did my little research to investigate the similarities between Nigerians based in the UK and the United States by speaking to regular party goers and top DJS. The question is who’s got more SWAG? Here are some core areas which I made my comparisons on so you can be the judge.
ASO EBI
Aso-Ebi, for those who don’t know means “Family Clothes” in Yoruba language. it is very common in most Nigerian party with people wearing identical colours of fabrics and head gear also called (Gele) at events for identification. When comparing Aso Ebi fantasy among UK and American Nigerians you are more likely to see more people wearing Aso ebi in London compared to America. This factor may be borne out of the fact that generally American fashion style is all about wearing what makes you feel comfortable and at the same time looks good but the UK Nigerians on the other hand don’t like it simple. British Nigerians are not afraid to have fun with fashion they love bright colours so they are more likely to embrace Aso ebi. Another factor is that UK is closer to Nigeria in proximity than America so they are spoiled for choices. Speaking to Adetokunbo who recently got married in Texas agreed that UK Nigerians have more advantage because of the short distance to Nigeria, she said Americans also love their Aso ebi’s but have very limited choice.
Music choice and dancing
Nigerian music and party can never be joked with because there is no Nigerian party that you will attend that you won’t be ready to dance your legs out. Nigerians love music generally and without good music the party will be considered a flop but this is where the similarities end when comparing UK Nigerians to American Nigerians. Choice of main entertainment styles sets this two apart for example the UK Nigerians love to combine Live Bands with Dj and in some case there won’t be no Dj at all depending on individual budget but if asked to make a choice they will go for a live band. In America reverse is the case, as DJ is far more important to them for obvious reason “Hip Hop”. Hip hop has an overwhelming influence on the black community in America, as well as the society as a whole. For americans Hip Hop is more than music, Hip Hop is a culture that’s why in any Nigerian party you attend in america the party is not complete without the Dj playing hip hop, in fact the atmosphere sometimes leaves you wondering if it’s a party or club.
Showing off Cars
Comparing the transportation system in UK and America, the UK public transport system is far better because by. using a mix of train, bus, taxi, walking and occasionally hiring a bike, you can get almost anywhere in England without having to drive but in America public transport is a bit lacking and that is the reason why most American citizens have access to their own car as the best way to get around. If you attend a party in America compared to the UK you will notice more car parked outside the venue. Nigerians love big cars which they like to show off that’s why in America its always about who drives the best car and you can’t help but notice the fleet of exotic cars packed outside party venues. sometimes the status of the celebrant is determined by the kind of cars parked outside the party venue but in the UK because of the lack of limited packing space available at venues guests wont’t even notice what car anyone is driving.
One of the most difficult task when it comes to organising a Nigerian party is controlling the guest list. Nigerians attend parties in large numbers if you invite one person expect the person to come with additional 5 and in most cases these additional guests are not on the guest list, expecting guests of about 300 will end up with more than 3000 guests in attendance. American tends to be more strict and organised in the area of invites, they stick to budgets making sure all the expected guests are catered for in other word americans see this as showing class. In the UK most especially in London its business as usual with no strict rule on guest lists in fact its a show off to have as many guest as possible because that shows how popular or social the host of the party is.
Money spraying
This is one very important part of every Nigerian party. and no Nigeria party is complete without money spraying. This act is taken extremely seriously by Nigerians all over the world because it’s something that is part of the Nigerian culture. Party attendees are always prepared to spray the host during dancing time at any given party, you will also notice vendors working around at parties waving bundle of dollars for people with larger bills Like £20, £50 or $100 to change into smaller denomination like 1dollars even some well prepared party attendees would have changed their money to one dollar bills arriving at the party.
Money spraying life style is the same in every Nigerian party both in the UK and in America the only difference is that you will notice UK Nigerians spending American dollars compared to British pounds for an obvious reason: £1 is only available in coin and that defeat the aim of spraying at a party and every party sprayer wants to spend for a longer duration thus the reason why they need to break larger notes. To decided who makes it rain heavier it’s simple, if an american is planning to spray $1000 dollars in $1 and a British guy that want’s to spend £1000 in $1 dollars, after the party who do you think the host will make money from? you work the maths.
A SHORT VIDEO OF DJ MIND D GAP RECENT VISIT TO DALLAS TEXAS, A TYPICAL EXAMPLE OF HOW NIGERIANS PARTY IN AMERICA
Dj mind the gap the author of this article is a multi-award winning international and highly experienced DJ who understands how to carry both the younger and matured audience along in any given party he is currently based in London United kingdom for bookings contact the management team on 07940740987 (UK) or email at info@minddgapent.com.
By now I hope you would have been able to make your own judgement baring in mind that every Nigerian party either in the UK or America are different and unique in its own way, these are just a few things I noticed as one of the top DJ in LONDON and as a blogger I did my own research so i can draw a near fact conclusion. Please feel free to comment below if you agree, disagree or have something to add to the above.
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