Elsie UdohDid you know you can recreate the full experience of a Nigerian party, complete with the food, clothes, and music you love from back home?
If this is your first time planning a party in the diaspora, you might be torn between going Western or embracing a Nigerian theme. But come on, we both know that no one knows how to throw a party better than Nigerians. So if you want the energy, excitement, and fun that only a proper Nigerian party can bring, then a Nigerian-themed party is the way to go.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelBut where do you begin? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This guide will walk you through everything you need to organise an unforgettable Nigerian-themed party in the diaspora.
Step-by-Step Guide to Organise a Nigerian-Themed Party in the Diaspora
There’s just something special about Nigerian parties. No matter the theme, there’s never a dull moment. Even though you’re far away in the diaspora, you’re very much allowed to experience this, and we are here to help you do just that.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to organising a Nigerian-themed party in the diaspora:
1. Choose the Right Venue
First things first, where will you host your Nigerian-themed party? The fact that you are in the diaspora brings a slight disadvantage because the Nigerian vibe and aura are just not there, but wait a minute, notice how we used “slight.” Well, that’s because it’s not a problem that cannot be handled. There are still ways that you can bring the Nigerian spirit to life in the diaspora with a few creative touches, and we have just the right suggestions to unleash your creativity:
- Pick the Right Location (Indoor or Outdoor): Now whether you choose to have an indoor or outdoor party is totally up to you. However, our recommendation is to consider renting a hall or park if you’re expecting a big crowd. If not, then your living room or a private area in a restaurant will work just fine. Since you’ll be having a Nigerian-themed party, then the chances are that you’ll have a smaller crowd with a few Nigerians, so you can have the party in the comfort of your home or at the home of someone with a large space if yours is not big enough.
- Decorate with Nigerian Touches: Now that we have the location all figured out or at least an idea of possible places to host the party, the next step is getting started bringing in the Nigerian mood, and what better way is there to do this than through decorations? This might probably not have been necessary if you were back home, but you’re not, and we want everybody who walks into your party to understand what the party theme’s all about right away. So here’s what we’re going to do: Use traditional Nigerian fabrics like Ankara or Aso Oke as tablecloths, chair covers, or wall backdrops. That’s right, the atmosphere needs to spell Nigerian right away.
2. Your Invitations Should Set the Tone
Now that the party plan is in motion, we are going to ensure that the invitations are up to the required standard as well. From the people whom you will be sending out invites to the invitation’s design, we are going to be heavy on “Nigerianness” being the top requirement.
Your invitation’s design also needs to give a sneak peek of what your guests should expect. Whatever you choose to put out, be sure to convince them that you’re party is going to blow their minds. Again, we have a few suggestions:
- Use Canva to create invitations with vibrant Nigerian designs.
- Let your guests know that this will be a fully Nigerian experience and encourage them to dress up accordingly.
3. Menu List: Nigerian Meals
You know how back home one of the main reasons why we attended “owambes” was for the food, so if you’re sending out invites and telling your invitees that they will be getting the Nigerian experience, then best believe that they will be looking forward to the meals you’ll be serving, and as a proper Nigerian that you are, you are not going to disappoint them.
Here are the most-served meals at Nigerian parties that we think should make your menu list:
- Jollof rice
- Pounded yam with egusi
- Pepper soup
- Fried rice
- Moi Moi
- Dodo (fried plantains)
- Small chops like puff-puff, samosas, and spring rolls for starters.
Serve drinks like Zobo, Chapman, or Nigerian lagers like Star or Gulder to complement the meals.
Pro Tip: You will find Nigerian food ingredients in local African grocery stores around you. Finding Nigerian alcoholic drinks in the diaspora, on the other hand, can be tricky, especially since Nigerian beers like Star Lager, Gulder, or Legend Extra Stout aren’t always available in stores, but they are not impossible to find. However, if Nigerian beer isn’t an option, try alternatives like Guinness Foreign Extra Stout or Harp Premium Lager.
4. Dress the Part
If you’re the host of a Nigerian-themed party in the diaspora, it’s only expected that you dress the part. This will help set the tone for your guests’ outfits. You can wear traditional outfits like Agbada, Buba, or a simple kaftan if you are a man, or go all out in Ankara dresses or lace fabrics paired with a bold gele (headwrap) if you are a lady.
Tell your guest’s dress code in advance (remember to include it in your invitation), or you can even go the extra mile to pick out Aso Ebis to ensure your guests have a unified appearance.
5. Nigerian Music or Throw a Silent Party
Of course, we are not going to allow you to throw a silent party on our watch. That totally erodes the Nigerian theme that we are trying to recreate. And we have the best jams from Nigerian artistes to take your party away from the diaspora and right back home.
- Afrobeats & Highlife: Fill your playlist with Afrobeats from the likes of Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Yemi Alade, among others. Don’t also forget classic Highlife and Juju music from legends like King Sunny Ade or Ebenezer Obey to add a touch of tradition.
- DJ or Live Band: If your budget allows, hire a Nigerian DJ or even a live band to play Highlife or Fuji. These are core elements of Nigerian parties.
6. Keep the Party Lively with Entertainment
Organising a Nigerian-themed party doesn’t end with just food and music. Sure enough, the majority of your guests will be all about the food, but you are going to need more than that to keep them entertained and give them something to talk about even weeks later.
Here are our top suggestions to keep your guests entertained:
- Games: Nigerian-themed games like Ludo, Ayo, or even a competitive round of musical chairs can add some light-hearted fun to your party.
- Karaoke: You can’t go wrong with a Nigerian karaoke session. Cue up some of the biggest Afrobeats hits and let your guests take turns showing off their singing prowess.
- Dance-Offs: Organise a dance competition where your guests can battle it out with moves like legwork or Amapiano dance moves. You can even try to recreate TikTok dance challenges and have a gift for the winner.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Diaspora Festivals: Top Events You Can’t Miss Abroad
Get Your Nigerian-Themed Party Started!
Now that we have ticked the location, invitations, menu, outfit, music and games off the planning checklist, it’s time to get the party started and have a fun party in the diaspora the Nigerian way. Here are some key points to keep in mind as you organise a Nigerian-themed party in the diaspora:
- Nigerian food and music are a must.
- Encourage guests to wear traditional attire.
- Keep the energy up with Nigerian-themed games and activities.
With these reminders, your Nigerian-themed party is sure to be a hit and bring everyone a little closer to home, no matter where in the world you host the party.
Elsie Udoh is an SEO content writer who specialises in writing engaging stories that resonates with diverse audiences. She studied mass communication at the Lags State University.
