NKPOKITI dancers are a Nigerian dance group created in Umunze on 28th July,1959 known for their vibrant performances and energetic movements. The TRADITIONAL NKPOKITI dance is a cultural expression that involves rhythmic footwork, colourful attire, and captivating storytelling through movementDOWSKITRIM. 2024

Nkpokiti

“Mournful Eyes” captures a poignant moment of introspection and sorrow. The subject, adorned in traditional attire with a vibrant headwrap, gazes intently, her expression conveying a deep sense of loss and contemplation. This powerful image speaks to the unsaid and forgotten histories and overlooked cultural legacies that linger in silence, evoking an emotional connection to the past and the enduring spirit of those who remember.Annyart. 2023

Mournful Eyes

The Anam people majorly travel on water by boat and canoes and this has been a tradition from the days of their forefathers. On the horizon, we can see modern houses showing how much Anam has developed over the years. The greeneries in the background show how fertile their land is.Vivid Visuals. 2024

Ndi Anam

Anam is majorly surrounded by water and has a long history of fishing tradition. Their forefathers were mainly fishermen who migrated from Idah to settle down in Anam. They built their houses close to the river for easy access. The Anambra River and River Niger make up the water bodies that surround the Anam community. Their fishermen are mostly men and young boys. The boys living in the community are taught fishing and farming from a very early age. They're also taught to swim and paddle canoes.Vivid Visuals. 2024

Oru Anam

In Igbo culture, a compound typically consists of several huts, each serving as a distinct household unit. Traditionally, the family was primarily led by a patrilineal lineage known as Umunna.Babe. 2024

The Igbo society placed a significant emphasis on childbearing, celebrating and honouring women who had given birth to ten or more children with the title 'Igbu ehi ukwu’. In certain villages, women who gave birth to as many as twelve children were rewarded with the ceremonial killing of a cow in their honour.Babe. 2024

Igbu Ehi Ukwu

Igbo women demonstrated remarkable creativity in the form and decoration of their traditional pottery. They developed unique styles of pottery production, crafting various types of earthenware, including a range of water pots used for cooking and storing water throughout southeastern Nigeria.Babe. 2024

Queen Amanirenas of Kush. This piece is set in Fictional Ancient Nubia but built from facts and history, its name "Meriotic" (An ancient forgotten language) tells the story of the Amanirenas. In the scorching heat of Nubia's golden light: A queen of unyielding spirit takes her stand; Amanirenas, Kandake of Kush, a name that ignites; A flame of defiance against the empire's hand. With warriors loyal, steadfast by her side, Together they face the invaders' pride; Their hearts ablaze with the fire of freedom's light. The Roman soldier, fallen, Yet, he grasps the hem of her garment; A futile, desperate clasp. For in her presence, He beholds a power divine; A spirit that echoes through the sands of time. Above, fleeing birds are seen fearing even the presence of She. A testament to the Kushite heart, a legacy sublime. Amanirenas, a name etched in the annals of time,A queen who embodied strength, courage, and rhyme. Her legend lives on; an inspiration to all.KAFANI. 2024

Queen Amenirenas

The Boys' Brigade is a Christian youth organization. It was founded in Nigeria in the early 20th century and has since grown to become a prominent organization known for its focus on character development, discipline, and community service among young boys and teenagers. The Boys' Brigade in Nigeria has played a significant role in shaping the lives of many young people by instilling values of leadership, teamwork, and service to others. The organization continues to be active in various communities across the country, providing opportunities for personal growth and community involvement.DOWSKITRIM. 2024

The Boy's Brigade

This piece showcases powerful transformative art to the unwavering determination of the African spirit in the face of adversity. It explores the themes of emancipation, inner strength and fortitude.Annyart. 2023

Unchained Strength

The solitude of the bride amidst the anticipation of the ceremony creates a powerful and emotional image. It symbolizes vulnerability, strength, and beauty in a moment of reflection before a significant life event. The contrast and emotion conveyed in this scene make it a compelling and artistic representation of the bride's journey towards a new chapter in her life.DOWSKITRIM. 2022

Bride

This piece portrays the dominance of nature over evolution. It is a comforting reminder that our heritage remains not just preserved but at the pinnacle in the echelon of creation. Its vastness and depth cannot be easily eroded.Myartand_I. 2024

A Lost Cause

This piece was taken in a Village in Enugu called “Odume.” “A Virgin Village” as I named it; untainted by Westernisation. It was the closest I had come to feeling home again in the longest… The place exudes innate peace and bond that spoke the kindred language my spirit understands; except It has grown weary from keeping her hope alive like a mother whose sons went to war and are yet to return.Myartand_I. 2024

Come Home

This beauty was taken at Nike Lake in Enugu. One of the few preservations of our heritage left in the heart of the city. At this exact spot, before I took this shot, I felt nature enwrap me gently in its fluffy cool embrace like a mother would her newborn. She engulfed me in her motherly caress. Unwilling to let me go she lured me in deeper with the most overwhelming view demonstrating her zealousness in protecting and preserving her own.Myartand_I. 2024

O Protective Mother

Igba Ekpe represents the coming of age among young boys in Abiriba. It is a kind of proposal for the formation of an age-grade.M-Visuals Photography. 2017

Igba Ekpe

Onye Iwowo (a decorated dancer to entertain the celebrants of Igwa Mang).M-Visuals Photography. 2014

Onye Iwowo

The arrival of Eze Ihungwu (one of the three important Ezes of the Abiriba kingdom in relation to law-making) at the venue of the Itu Eye (law enactment and pronouncement) in Abiriba.M-Visuals Photography. 2017

Eze Ihungwu

This image captures a traditional talking drum at the Osun Osogbo festival, a vital part of the Yoruba cultural and spiritual celebrations. The vibrant colours and intricate details reflect the deep connection between rhythm, heritage, and devotion to the deity Osun. The drum's beats embody the festival's essence, preserving traditions and communal identity.Adaeze Obi-Obasi. 2019

The Sacred Drum

The Oloko Trio, Ikonnia, Nwannedia and Nwugo were the women appointed to act as leaders and spokeswomen in colonial Igboland. They urged the women to keep the protests peaceful and ensured that the protests didn't affect the other activities that took place.The Storyteller. 2022

The Oloko Tribe

The musket gun has significant importance in festivals around Nigeria, in the north the gun is used to honour royals and to begin important activities. In some cases, it is also used to announce the appearance of a royal person.Blackhydar photography. 2022

Musket

The camel appearance in a royal durbar is usually to signify the extra regalia of the king, they are mostly seen behind the king serving as the rare guards to the king.Blackhydar Photography. 2022

Ride

The Elephant tusk is indigenous to Africa. It speaks volumes of power and wealth, and when royalty meets the pulsating sound from an Elephant tusk even the gods come down to dance in a wedlock of mortality and immortality.Esther Nnaji. 2021

Odu Enyi - The Tusk of Life

In the golden hues of a setting sun, a silhouette stands by the water's edge, immersed in the timeless ritual of labor – a symbol of resilience. The tranquil river glistens with the sun's fading light, reflecting the serene connection between humanity and nature. The scene is a reminder of simpler times when life flowed with the rhythm of nature. The trees in the distance stand as silent witnesses to this daily dance, their forms blurred by the warm glow of the evening sky. This photograph captures not just a moment, but an enduring story of life, tradition, and the delicate balance between man and his environment.Esther Nnaji. 2024

Rhythms of the Night

Against the backdrop of an African hut, she is adorned in unique traditional attire and a timeless hairstyle. Apunanwu – the one who should not step into the scorching sun – sits, embodying femininity and a mother's love which dates back to prehistoric times.Esther Nnaji. 2022

Apunanwu

Lost in the rhythm of his roots, a young king finds solace in the beat of his ancestors, with the warmth of the sun on his skin and the gentle rustle of sand beneath him. His dreadlocks flow like a river of freedom, as his hands coax the drum to sing with a voice that echoes the soul. In this serene moment, time stands still, and the universe vibrates in harmony with the pulse of his heart.The Top Photos. 2022

Soulful Serende

The grace of growing old is one virtually everyone prays for; not only does it give us the leverage to spend time with our loved ones; but it also avails us the opportunity to right our wrongs. It is safe to say no one wishes to die prematurely, however, it is more fulfilling ageing with Christ, as He helps make the journey of growing old seeing it is a phase in life that comes with its own set of challenges and life as we know has no manuscript.The Top Photos. 2022

Growing Old

The Demonstration represents a decision to stand up against the injustice meted out to women during the colonial administration of Eastern Nigeria, and the women's taxation policy provided a perfect opportunity for them to fight back. The protests weren't solely because of the women's taxes, although that was the primary reason. The women also sought to take back their place in the system. Before the British imposed indirect rule on them, women held positions and titles and were greatly respected. However, with the presence of the British administrators, women were stripped of their titles, and all powers were transferred to the men.The Storyteller. 2022

The Demonstration

Typical appearance of Royal escorts in a northern durbar festivalBlackhydar Photography. 2022

Royal Escort

There are stories only you have to tell because there is no one who looks at the world in the way you do. There is no one else who listens to the whispers tucked in a soft breeze or understands the wilting petals whimpering. There is no one who feels the earth in the way you do. You are the one. This is HopeThe Storyteller. 2022

Shores of Hope

The Women's War which started as a peaceful protest turned into a shootout, and women came from Aba, Calabar, Ikot-Ekpene and Umuahia to join the protesters in and around Oloko.The Storyteller. 2022

Reconnaissance

Death has a higher purpose, and because the women understood this knowledge, it gave them the zeal to rebel and put up a front that broke the boundaries within which they operated. While they were dying to live, the women realized that death was a small price to pay for freedom.The Storyteller. 2022

Dying to Live

This is a haunting image that shows a young boy exhausted from his long journey selling Kunu, a traditional beverage that is a staple in many Nigerian households. His tired eyes and weary expression speak volumes about the harsh realities of child labour, a practice that is all too common in Sokoto state. This image is a powerful reminder that childhood is a precious and fleeting phase of life that should be cherished and protected.The Rediscovery Series Africa. 2022

The Boy Child in Sokoto

Sopuru poses before the camera connecting the lifestyle and fashion of the Igbo Man in the 60s. Fresh from colonialism.Valentine Udemadu. 2021

This thing called Nostalgia

A depiction of the rhythmic moves of an Igbo Masquerade in a Museum. As a child, I was told by my grandfather that Masquerades or 'Mmanwu' are seen as spirits of our ancestors living amongst us. And to dance with the Spirits is to be one with our heritage and ancestors.Valentine Udemadu. 2023

Dancing with the Spirits

A powerful and unwavering Agojie warrior stands tall, her stare steadfast. The vibrant colours and Intricate details evoke the sense of motion and readiness for battle. The composition of this piece highlights the warrior's poised strength and the raw energy of her spirit.Annyart. 2023

Agojie

“Ancestral Guardian” captures a young girl self-possessed with determination, wrapped in a vibrant red fabric that symbolizes strength and ancestry. Holding a staff, she stands as a protector and bearer of her rich ancestral legacy. This powerful image reflects the enduring spirit and strength of African traditions, celebrating the resilience and pride of the young guardians of ancestral heritage.Annyart. 2023

Ancestral Guardian

Natesa Consulting is a leading public relations and strategic communications firm with a focus on promoting the socioeconomic potential of Southeast Nigeria

The Forgotten Country Exhibition

By Natesa Consulting Limited