Elsie UdohLiving abroad can be an exciting experience to learn new cultures and lifestyles, but you know what they say about old habits never dying hard. It’s the same with the cultures you’re used to as well.
As a Nigerian in the diaspora, it can be hard to get over the feeling of longing for those practices that make you Nigerian and you’re fond of back home. But, then again, you do not need to “over” them; instead, you can simply “reconnect” with the cultures you’re used to. How? Well, there are several ways you can do that and this article will explore 10 ways you can reconnect with your Nigerian culture from diaspora.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelBut first, let’s bring back those fond memories by mentioning 10 of the popular cultures you miss from home.
Popular Cultures You Miss from Home
Nigeria is filled with rich cultures, from our food to traditional music and dance—the list is inexhaustive. These cultures make every part of our stay in Nigeria memorable and give us something to miss when we leave what we’re used to back home. For you, in the diaspora, here’s a trip down memory lane to recall some fond cultures that you miss from home:
- Food: With Nigerian foods, there’s a lot to miss. From the habitual Sunday rice to taking a stroll to the “mallam” at that junction to buy steaming suya and the satisfying taste of pounded yam and Egusi soup or Amala and Ewedu soup during special ceremonies, Nigerian delicacies are an integral part of our culture with their unmistakable taste that leaves you longing for more.
- Festivals: These are usually great events to unwind and enjoy cherished moments with loved ones. Whether Eyo Festival, Egungun Festival, or New Yam Festival, these events are times to celebrate and make memories.
- Language: Local languages like Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa remind you of culture and heritage. Even if you can’t speak them, hearing people around you use these indigenous languages in everyday life has a strong cultural tie and connection. But far away from home, that’s not a high possibility.
- Sports: Remember those nights at local viewing centres watching the Super Eagles in action or watching a local wrestling match? Those were real unifying moments that you can’t find around.
- Arts & Crafts: Whether it’s unique adire designs, beautiful visual arts, beaded works, and the like, arts have deep cultural significance and showcase our rich heritage.
- Masquerades: Traditional masquerades like Egungun and Eyo are usually breathtaking sights, and although you can witness these masquerade displays during Nigerian festivals in some places abroad, nothing beats being around loved ones to watch these performances.
- Weddings: Nigerian weddings are always statement events to remember. From traditional weddings that showcase traditions and music to white weddings where we party long and hard.
- Nollywood Movies: This gave us good family time when we all sat together in the living room to watch stories that reveal our culture with deep lessons to learn.
- Religion: Nigerians do not joke with their worship, whether Christianity, Islam, or traditional beliefs, especially on the first and last Sundays of the month for Christians. This is another integral part of our unique culture.
- Music & Dance: The energetic beats of Afrobeat and traditional dances are integral to Nigerian identity. Social gatherings and celebrations are especially great times to showcase unique dance moves, whether Bata for traditional events or Shaku Shaku for social gatherings.
10 Ways You Can Reconnect with Your Nigerian Culture from Diaspora
Feeling nostalgic already? That’s understandable but then, we are here to make it easier for you. Here are 10 ways you can reconnect with your Nigerian culture from the diaspora:
1. Cook Nigerian Dishes at Home
Food is one of the most powerful ways to feel at home, even when you’re abroad. Whether you’re craving Jollof rice, pounded yam, or pepper soup, many African grocery stores stock the ingredients needed to recreate these meals. Online stores also deliver Nigerian ingredients worldwide.
Pro Tip: Follow Nigerian food bloggers or YouTube channels for authentic recipes, step-by-step tutorials, and meal ideas to cook for your family and friends abroad.
Also Read: Where To Find Authentic Nigerian Food Ingredients In The UK
2. Attend Nigerian Festivals Abroad
Many cities around the world host Nigerian cultural festivals, such as the New Yam Festival, AfroFest, or Igbo Cultural Day. These events are a great way to meet fellow Nigerians, experience live music, and watch traditional dance performances. During these events, Nigerian meals, music, fashion, and dance are the major highlights, which are a great reminder of your dear culture. Even if you can’t attend in person, many festivals now stream events online. You’ll find these celebrations in major cities such as London, New York, Houston, and Toronto.
Pro Tip: Join Nigerian community organisations or follow social media pages that announce upcoming cultural festivals near you.
Also Read: Nigeria Diaspora Festivals: Top Events You Can’t Miss Abroad
3. Speak or Learn Nigerian Languages
Language is one of the most profound connections to culture. Whether you speak Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa, you can speak your native language with friends or family around to strengthen your bond with Nigeria. For those who didn’t grow up speaking a Nigerian language, now would be a great time to take an active interest in learning it.
Pro Tip: There are several apps, language classes, and YouTube tutorials dedicated to teaching Nigerian languages, giving you a convenient way to learn at your own pace.
4. Watch Nigerian Sports
Football is a huge part of Nigerian culture. You can join local football clubs to stay up-to-date with the matches or stream them online. Whichever option you choose, being part of the sporting spirit will keep you close to home.
Pro Tip: Join Nigerian football fan clubs abroad to watch matches together and celebrate wins in true Nigerian style.
5. Showcase or Support Nigerian Arts and Crafts
Attend exhibitions that showcase Nigerian arts and crafts in cities around the world or decorate your home with pieces from Nigerian artists. You can also learn how to create at traditional crafts like beadwork or textile design. Attending festivals also gives you an avenue to appreciate Nigerian arts, as some festivals feature arts & crafts stalls, which you can shop from to support them.
Pro Tip: Look for local exhibitions featuring Nigerian artists or participate in online art classes that teach traditional Nigerian art forms.
6. Participate in Masquerade Events
Masquerades are an important part of Nigerian culture, particularly in festivals such as the Egungun and Eyo. While it may be harder to find these events outside of Nigeria, some diaspora communities celebrate with smaller versions, particularly around cultural holidays. Joining or watching these events can make you feel connected to the Nigerian culture.
Pro Tip: Follow Nigerian cultural organisations or local ethnic groups to stay informed about upcoming masquerade performances near you.
7. Celebrate Traditional Nigerian Weddings
Nothing compares to the beauty of a traditional Nigerian wedding, with its vibrant attire, live music, and rich customs. If you’re invited to one, embrace the opportunity to reconnect with your culture by wearing the Aso Ebi and participating in dancing and every other custom. Many couples stream their weddings online, so if you get invited to one, feel free to join in and experience the festivities.
Pro Tip: Look for Nigerian designers and tailors in your area to create the perfect aso-ebi outfits for the next wedding you attend, whether virtually or in person.
8. Watch Nollywood Movies
Our movie industry, Nollywood, which is the third-largest film industry globally, has countless films that reflect the everyday life and culture of Nigeria. Watch these movies to stay connected to home. You can stream them on platforms like Netflix, iROKOtv, and YouTube, which have a wide selection of Nollywood films you can stream wherever you are in the world.
Pro Tip: Make Nollywood movie nights a weekly ritual in your home and invite other Nigerians in the diaspora to watch along with you, either in person or online.
9. Attend Nigerian Religious Services Abroad
Religion is a central part of Nigerian culture, and many Nigerian churches and mosques abroad offer services that maintain the cultural and spiritual practices of home. Many Nigerian churches and mosques have branches abroad, making it easier for you to practice your faith while staying connected to your community. You can also participate in traditional religious festivals, like the Isese Festival, celebrated by diaspora Yoruba communities.
Pro Tip: Find local religious groups that share your faith or tune in to online Nigerian religious services where you can participate in services, listen to traditional worship songs, and engage with fellow worshippers.
10. Participate in Nigerian Dance and Music Classes
Afrobeat, highlife, and traditional drumming are popular in the diaspora, and you can find classes or events where you can learn traditional dance moves or enjoy live Afrobeat music.
Pro Tip: Listen to Nigerian music by streaming them online and groove to them either alone or in group gatherings. Remember, nothing beats the Naija vibe.
Additional Tips for Reconnecting with Nigerian Culture in the Diaspora
- Join Nigerian Community Groups: Look for online forums, WhatsApp groups, or Facebook communities where Nigerians in your area connect.
- Attend Cultural Events: Keep track of Nigerian festivals and celebrations abroad and attend them to reconnect with your culture.
- Stay Informed: Follow Nigerian news platforms and cultural blogs to stay connected to what’s happening at home.
- Teach Your Children: Ensure that being away from home does not take away the Nigerian roots from your children. Teach them about Nigerian traditions, languages, and values.
- Travel Home: Whenever possible, plan trips back to Nigeria to get a first-hand experience of the culture and reconnect with family and friends.
Key Takeaways
Remember, your culture is a living, breathing part of who you are, no matter where you live. So even abroad, you can reconnect with your Nigerian culture and keep it alive at all times. Get familiar with the guide provided here to know the 10 ways you can reconnect with your Nigerian culture from diaspora, and remain proud of your Nigerian identity no matter where you are in the world.
Elsie Udoh is an SEO content writer who specialises in writing engaging stories that resonates with diverse audiences. She studied mass communication at the Lagos State University.
