Atelewo Group, a leading cultural initiativepromoting Yoruba heritage, hosted the third edition of its Yoruba Party, tagged Italawa, on Sunday, December 15 2024, at the Racecourse Amphitheatre, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
This event, marking a significant departure from previous editions focused on the Yoruba New Year, was designed to promote unity and cultural pride among the youth of Yoruba descent.
The gathering was marked by a vibrant mix of traditional Yoruba attire and contemporary styles, as participants celebrated their heritage while embracing modern fashion sensibilities. The participants were divided into cultural clans—Egbe Onikoko, Egbe majeobaje, Egbe Alaso, Egbe Ode, Egbe Amuludun and Egbe Agbe—fostering a strong sense of community among the attendees.
This grouping system not only highlighted the diversity within Yoruba culture but also encouraged friendly competition and cultural sharing among the youths.
The event saw a large turnout of young people, many of whom donned a mix of traditional Yoruba attire and contemporary styles, reflecting the fusion of modernity and heritage. Participants were grouped into cultural clans, including Egbe Onikoko, Egbe Oloti, Egbe Alaso, Egbe Ode, and Egbe Agbe, to strengthen community bonds and celebrate shared traditions.
A highlight of the event was the Best Dressed competition, where Afolabi Olatunji of Egbe Onikoko emerged as the male winner. Reflecting on his win, he said, “This is my second time attending, and I was inspired by how elegantly people dressed last year. I decided to step things up for myself, and I’m glad I did. Beyond the competition, I think events like this are crucial because they bring young Yoruba people together. It’s always good when we unite like this to celebrate our heritage.”
The female category winner, Kikelomo of Egbe Majeobaje, praised the initiative, saying, “This event is a beautiful way to promote Yoruba culture. Seeing everyone so gorgeously dressed and engaging with questions about our history and way of life is inspiring. I believe there should be more publicity to attract a larger audience. While organizing such events can be challenging, I hope Atelewo doesn’t give up. One day, this will become a significant cultural festival.”
Other attendees also expressed their admiration for the event and its impact. Kolapo Adeyemi from Egbe Ode shared, “I think the grouping system is a great idea. It fosters a sense of belonging and friendly competition, which makes the experience more engaging. This event isn’t just about fun; it’s about reconnecting with our roots.”
Similarly, Bisi Adekunle of Egbe Agbe noted, “It’s refreshing to see young people embrace their culture in a world that is increasingly westernized. This event reminds us of where we come from and why it’s important to preserve our traditions. The organizers should ensure it grows and reaches more Yoruba youths across the country.”
Attendees remained optimistic about the future of the Yoruba Party. Many expressed hopes that it would grow into a major cultural festival that continues to unite and inspire Yoruba youths.
The event also featured awards for various categories to recognize participants’ creativity and cultural pride.
