Baba Gee reporting from Leeds –The vibrant and convivial city of Leeds in West Yorkshire was agog early on Saturday, 23 September 2023, in anticipation of the sold-out launch of the Yoruba Heritage Group Yorkshire, an event aimed at preserving, promoting, and celebrating Yoruba culture while fostering mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation between diverse communities. As the clock struck three in the afternoon, a sense of anticipation hung in the air at the Whiterose Banquetting Hall in Leeds, the chosen venue for the launch.
The event had been months in the making, a labour of love of a dedicated team of organizers committed to preserving and sharing the beauty and richness of Yoruba heritage. As the doors opened, examples of traditional Yoruba clothing in vibrant hues adorned the captivating venue, and the mesmerising sounds of the group’s Yoruba musical ensemble, including the famous Yoruba talking drums and the tantalising aroma of exquisite traditional Yoruba cuisine wafting from the banquet hall’s kitchens, welcomed attendees. It was a momentous occasion to celebrate the rich Yoruba culture in the heart of Yorkshire.
Guests of all ages and backgrounds gathered, donning a colourful array of Yoruba-inspired attire. The hall soon became a kaleidoscope of colours, with women in elegant Iro and Buba outfits, men in finely embroidered Agbadas and hats, and children in miniaturised outfits, all made in matching Aso Oke fabrics, showcasing the exquisite beauty of traditional Yoruba attire and the intricate beadwork, vibrant fabrics, and timeless designs that define Yoruba clothing and fashion. It was a testament to the power of culture to bring people together.
The event commenced with a blend of Yoruba rituals and warm words of welcome from the master of ceremonies, Ogbeni Sesan Solaru, a charismatic Yoruba speaker who introduced the day’s significance. He spoke passionately about the importance of preserving one’s heritage and the role that the Yoruba Heritage Group Yorkshire would play in achieving that goal.
Following the opening prayer by Dr. Gbolade, the assembly sang the Nigerian and British national anthems in Yoruba and English, the first in the annals of the rendition of both anthems in the United Kingdom. A brief (Iroyin ni Koko) in the Yoruba language followed, much to the astonishment and amusement of guests.
The master of ceremonies then introduced the group’s inaugural Executive Committee: President (Iya afin Phebean Oyelade), Vice President (Iya afin Funke Ogiugo), General Secretary (Alhaja Motunrayo Oba), Assistant Secretary (Abolanle Ayeni), Treasurer (Iya afin Modupe Hector-Goma) and Public Relations Officer (Alhaja Omobolaji Ayeni).
Amongst the VIPs who graced the occasion were Ogbeni Christian Nduka Okeke, Consular representing Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR, Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom), Councillors Abigail Marshal Katung, Eileen Taylor, Jane Downson, Asghar Khan and a renowned Yoruba language teacher in the United Kingdom, Ogbeni Samson Morakinyo.
The inaugural President of the Yoruba Heritage Group Yorkshire (YHGY), Iya afin Phebean Oyelade, dressed in a resplendent Yoruba attire, radiated a sense of pride and determination to preserve and share her cultural heritage. She gave a welcome address and a fascinating brief history of the group. She also spoke passionately about the importance of preserving and sharing Yoruba culture in Yorkshire and beyond. Her words resonated with the gathering, many of whom had Yoruba roots and were proud to see their heritage celebrated so prominently.
The YHGY Dance Troupe then took the stage for their first performance, a captivating exposition of Traditional Yoruba dances, accompanied by the melodious tunes and rhythmic pulsating beats of the talking drums, enthralling the audience. The colorful attire and graceful and fascinating movements of the dancers told stories of love, struggle, and triumph, celebrating the human experience to rapturous applause. The enchanting voices of the Yoruba singers engendered a musical journey through the heart and soul of Yoruba culture. The energy and skill transported everyone to the heart of Yoruba Land in Southwestern Nigeria, the ancestral home of the Yoruba people.
Children and youth participated fully in the celebrations, demonstrating aspects of Yoruba culture and tradition, such as greeting mores, recitations, singing, and poetry.
The YHGY launching took place, followed by feeding and watering the guests. The Yoruba cuisine offered was a culinary delight. The plates were piled high with steaming servings of jollof rice, fried rice, dodo (fried plantains), amala, efo elegusi with assorted meats in richly spiced sauces. The flavours were a symphony of taste, a fusion of tradition and innovation that delighted the palate. People of all backgrounds lined up to sample these delicious offerings, forging connections over shared plates and new culinary experiences.
The evening’s highlights included an awe-inspiring presentation on Yoruba history, traditions, dances, and a scene depicting traditional Yoruba compound social activities, such as men playing a game of Ayo while women plaited their hair in the background, enthralling the audience.
Attendees then took to the dance floor, dancing enthusiastically and moving to the infectious beats of DJ Omolokun’s compilation, a fusion of Yoruba rhythms and modern sounds with universal appeal and a celebration of the enduring spirit of Yoruba culture.
As the night came to a close, the attendees left Whiterose Banqueting Hall with hearts full of pride, minds filled with knowledge, and enriched with the beauty, rich history, and diversity of Yoruba culture. They left with a sense of unity, promising to continue supporting the Yoruba Heritage Group Yorkshire in its mission to promote cultural understanding and preserve the heritage of the Yoruba people.
The event achieved its mission of celebrating and preserving Yoruba culture while fostering understanding and appreciation between different communities. In the coming years, the Yoruba Heritage Group Yorkshire will grow, its roots firmly planted in Yorkshire while reaching out globally. This launch event has set a precedent, showcasing the beauty and richness of Yoruba culture and forging bonds of unity that will transcend borders and generations. The Yoruba legacy has found a new home in Yorkshire and its flame will burn brightly for generations to come.
Kindly follow us on twitter:@AfricanVoice2
