How Yoruba Culture Illuminated Heritage In Australia
By Rasaq Adebayo
The vibrant hues and resonant rhythms of Yoruba culture filled the air at the Yoruba Language School of New South Wales, Australia as Nigerian students held the first Yoruba Culture Day.
The first annual Yoruba Cultural Day celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, drawing a diverse crowd, including Lyndall Franks and Hilary Hudges representatives from the Department of Education and Community Languages, NSW who currently serve as Community Language School Program Coordinator and Director Community Languages and International Program respectively.
The event, held at Hassall Grove, Sydney, was a feast for the senses, showcasing traditional artifacts and cuisines that transported attendees to the heart of Yoruba land.
Among the highlights were the revered cultural artifacts such as Moremi’s head and Ori Olokun, whose exotic historical narration was echoed by Juliana Olatunji (one of the students), which eventually drew admiring gazes and sparked conversations about their historical significance.
The rhythmic beats of Yoruba drums – bata, dundun, sakara, and gangan among others added a lively appearance to the day’s festivities.
These traditional instruments, masterfully explained by Nabeel Abdul, underscored the hourglass-shaped wood carved, creating an immersive cultural experience for all present.
Other presentations include the historical Yoruba fabric-making processes of Aso-Oke and Adire by Daniel Olatunji and Sekere, Irukere, and Ileke whose details of cultural aesthetics were presented by Nabeelah Abdul.
Guests were also treated to a delectable array of Yoruba cuisines.
Dishes like Amala with Gbegiri and Ewedu, Eba and Egunsi served with jollof rice, and an assortment of other traditional delights were enjoyed by attendees, many of whom marveled at the rich flavors and intricate preparation techniques.
These cuisines also marked part of the highlights presented to the large audience by the students.
Mueez Kadiri talked about Amala, Gbegiri, and Ewedu while Bukky Adeyemi took us through the process of preparing eba and egusi soup which is one of the famous dishes among the Yoruba food.
Also, due to the popularity of jollof rice in recent times and the irresolvable argument of which one is the better between Nigerian and Ghana jollof; Dara Oyekan explained the process through which this special delicacy is prepared.
Other presentations include Ayo Olopon, the Yoruba traditional board game by Yomi Adeyemi; Fila, Buba, Agbada ati Sokoto by Mayowa Oyekan; and Emu (palm wine) ati Akeregbe (Calabash) discussed in detail by Richard Olatunji.
The event was meticulously organised by the coordinators of the Yoruba Language School: Engineer Kadiri, Ms. Bolanle Adeyemi, and Tunmise Olupona. Their efforts ensured a seamless and engaging experience, highlighting the importance of cultural preservation and education within the community.
Engineer Kadiri expressed his pride in the event, stating: “Our goal is to keep the Yoruba culture alive, especially for our younger generations here in Australia. By showcasing our heritage, we foster a sense of identity and pride among Yoruba descendants and educate the wider community about our rich traditions.”
In his speech, he thanked the representatives from the Department of Education for taking time out of honour to grace the occasion and also expressed his gratitude to the department as a whole for supporting and promoting community language schools in New South Wales.
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Mrs. Bolanle Adeyemi echoed these sentiments, emphasising the role of cultural education in fostering understanding and respect.
“Events like this are vital in promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity. It’s wonderful to see such a positive response from both the Yoruba community and our friends from other cultures,” she commented.
Tunmise Olupona highlighted the educational aspect of the day, noting that the presence of representatives from the Department of Education NSW underscored the event’s significance.
He said: “Their attendance signifies recognition and support for cultural education. We hope this encourages more schools to incorporate cultural studies into their curricula.”
The representatives from the Department of Education NSW praised the event, noting its educational value and the importance of cultural diversity in enriching the educational landscape.
The Yoruba Language School’s Cultural Exhibition Day is not only to celebrate heritage but also to build bridges within our multicultural society.
The Vice President of the Odua group of New South Wales, Dr. Oyekan who gave the closing remarks and a short speech in place of the president expressed his delight in seeing the event a reality and thanked all people present as he encouraged members to enroll their children/wards for the Yoruba language class for the generational sustainability of the Yoruba language.
As the day drew to a close, attendees left with a deeper appreciation for Yoruba culture and a sense of unity fostered through shared cultural experiences, especially through a great debate on Yoruba Proverbs.
The Yoruba Cultural Day at the Yoruba Language School of New South Wales, Australia proved to be a resounding success, celebrating heritage while fostering community and education.