The 2024 Kyegh Sha Shwa event has come and gone, but its memories will linger for years to come. Among the many highlights, the Governor’s remarkable appearance stood out, underscoring the significance of cultural pride. However, an ongoing discourse on social media has emerged, targeting a young Tiv entertainer for daring to attend the event in a way that expresses his authentic Tiv identity.
Let us reflect on this: the true Tiv traditional attire, ibyôô (a simple loincloth), has always been a symbol of our ancestral heritage. In the past, this attire was often complemented with nothing more than a large tugudu draped across the shoulder. If our ancestors were to appear among us today, adorned in their original regalia, would we embrace them with pride or scorn them out of misplaced modern sensibilities?
The young entertainer in question attended the Kyegh Sha Shwa event dressed in a way that symbolised this authentic heritage—a simple black loincloth, with no genitals exposed. Yet, instead of celebrating his effort to honour our cultural identity, he has been subjected to ridicule. Such criticism begs the question: Are we ashamed of who we truly are?
In other parts of Nigeria, we see a different narrative. Take, for example, Plateau State, where their people proudly portray their cultural essence. Even a prominent figure like former Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung has often adorned himself in traditional attire that some might consider “primitive,” but it is celebrated for its authenticity. Why, then, do we in Benue hesitate to embrace our own?
The KwaZulu, South Africans have held on to their cultures where women dance bare breasted (and the larger the breasts the better) to the admiration of the whole world including those hating on our brother. The young girls still dance “naked” lifting and stamping their feet hard on the ground while exposing their stack nudity under.
The young man’s outfit was symbolic—a nod to the past, a reenactment of Tivhood. As an entertainer, his choice of attire was a form of artistic expression, akin to how Fela Kuti might have been celebrated had he attended such a festival in similar garb. Rather than condemnation, this effort deserves applause.
Our reluctance to fully embrace the authentic Tiv identity for fear of societal judgment reflects a deeper issue. If we truly believe we have “evolved” beyond our heritage, then should we not also abandon our names, our traditions, and our values altogether? This thought is absurd, for our culture is an integral part of who we are.
Cultural expression is not about holiness or moral superiority. It is about preserving and celebrating the uniqueness of our identity. Let us not allow social constructs or status to dictate how we view our heritage. The reality is that, at our core, we are all a product of our roots, and those roots should be a source of pride, not shame.
As Tiv people, let us hold our heads high, honour our traditions, and celebrate those who dare to express our rich heritage boldly and unapologetically.
Amb. David AllGreen Fiase
Founder/Coordinator
Benue Tourism Volunteers
December 28, 2024
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