NGWA DAY CULTURAL FIESTA 2024

 

This is Mammy Water variant of Ekpe. We will direct the remodelling of this Mammy Water. A prototype Mammy Water is usually carved inside a small heavy boat. She's always inside the boat with her 4-6 beautiful and handsome children. The Mammy Water is beautifully and gorgeously dressed with unparalleled costumes. Because the boat is very heavy, only strong men and woman are allowed to  dance with Mammy Water  during Ekpe Festivals. 

Interestingly, Mammy Water is the last Ekpe that comes out during Ekpe Cultural Festival. This glamorous Ekpe comes out between 6.30pm-7.pm when it's a little bit dark. Hence, it's mostly watched  with touch. Comically, spectators usually point touch on it in an attempt to identify the person from their village or neighbouring village dancing it.

It's important to note that organisers of Ekpe Cultural Festivals usually assign Mammy Water to be showcased by the best Dancer in the village.

 Dr Chris Nwagboso

(Technical Facilitator). 

The above brief history on Mammy water and many more is the cultural essence and objectives of the NGWA DAY 2024 as conceived ab initio for the benefit of those joining midstream.

NGWA nation as a people had been ridiculed by all and sundry especially the stranger elements amongst us to the extent that we are regarded as the scum of the earth. Over time the divisions amongst us have been played upon and used to our disadvantage. We at Ngwa Social Club believe that enough is enough and did resolve to change this narrative through:

1. A conscious and deliberate effort to define who we are and not as others see us.

2. Part of redefining who we are lies in antiquity. So we need to know our customs, traditions and our culture.

3. It is also agreed that colonialism and so called modernity had assaulted our culture and our traditions to the extent that if nothing is done our children and indeed the now generation will have nothing to lean on.

4. So this Event provides us an opportunity to begin to put things right. Through this cultural revival and renaissance we may get to know ourselves better as a people.

5. Begin to preserve the NGWA heritage and cultivate greater bonding.

This inaugural edition provides us an opportunity to make bold statement about Nde Ngwa.

So it behoves all of us to be this change agent by becoming cultural and development ambassadors to work hard enough to spread this gospel by working to ensure the success of this NGWA DAY 2024 Celebrations.

I charge us to reach out to our Ngwa sons and daughters to support this event.

God on our side, we shall succeed.