Can there be a weekend without an Owambe party? There is no doubt that Owambe has come to stay. Owambe was initially associated with the Yoruba ethnic group because of their perceived desire for parties. Today, however, it has been embraced by all Nigerians, irrespective of language and religion.
Today, Owambe parties have evolved from the regular “Ankara and Semo” vibe to something more elaborate, spicy and encompassing. In planning parties such as birthdays, retirement, homecoming, house opening and others; people usually opt for the classical dinner option. Now everyone has gone “Owambe” with great passion.
As expected in Owambe parties, the food comes endless with other fun segments that make up a proper Owambe party. The Owambe parties we now attend from the end of 2020 to 2021, did not just have the regular setting of partying. Owambes are now planned with exciting vibes that keep you wishing for more.
TWO LIVE BANDS AT ONE PARTY
Yes! This might seems outrageous or impossible but nothing is impossible when it comes to Owambe parties. The live band or music of the party is the live wire of a typical Owambe party. It also determines reflects the level of the host in normal social engagements. Some parties go as far as having two live bands playing simultaneously. Some use these live bands for different reasons. Some hosts have two bands on stage because they couldn’t decide whom they liked better, some parties end up having more than one host thereby opening up opportunities for two bands in one party. This usually reveals rivalry in a family. All of these just add up to the fun as the bands are given the opportunity for a musical duel.
GUESTS WHO OUTSHINE HOSTS
Normally, an Owambe party picks the Aso Ebi. Therefore the host has all the right to be the cynosure and look different. She can even change into various attires. Now, at Owanbe, you don’t have to be a host to show off your dress sense. At parties, guests are seen changing into more than 2 outfits. These types of party lovers are usually “up and doing” at Owambe parties, therefore, they are easily identified. When next you are at an Owambe party, take note of the guests who outshine the hosts.
HYPEMAN
The hype man business was an art strictly restricted to clubs and lounges. It was a sort of means to lure big boys and babes, to spend or and stay longer at the club. Before now, Parties were restricted to professional masters of ceremony (MC), but not anymore. Burial receptions, birthday parties, child christening, house opening, empowerment programmes and other events now employ the services of a hypeman. The hypeman does a lot of activities that bring a twist to Owambe parties.
COCKTAILS IN EXCITINGÂ CONTAINERS
When Cocktails and mocktails were introduced to Owambe parties everyone looked toward enjoying the change in the regular freezing drinks, beer and spirit drinks. Recently, an exciting twist was added to serving Cocktails. Some months ago at the opening of High Point Event Center, Cocktails were served in cups moulded in adult sex toys shapes and even shapes like Lantern, Caricature man and others.
SERVING FOOD IN CLAY POTS AND CALABASH
Serving food on regular plates will look absurd and may not be as enjoyable as if they were served in their regular sizzling hot plates. At parties today, the fun of having hot meals have been added to parties. Cat Fish Pepper Soup in sizzling hot clay pots will bring great awe to guests every time. Sometimes,. Pounded Yam can also be served in a Calabash, at Owambe parties.
CROCODILE AS APPETIZER
Owambe parties have been exposed to menu upgrades since 2021. Appetizers used to be the regular Small Chops, Pepper Soup, smoothies and others. Recently, Crocodile has been added to the list. It is a delicacy well seasoned and served on a tray. Will you try that?
SOUVENIRS WITH A TWIST
Normally, Owambe parties end with the sharing of varieties of souvenirs. Sometimes you may leave a party with over 7 items. Usually, you leave with items like different forms of plastic, noodles, detergents, Oil, toiletries and others. Some months ago, raw pepper was shared among guests at Iyabo Ojo’s mother’s party last year. Recently, petrol was also distributed as souvenirs. Owambe parties keep the surprise in the souvenirs, don’t miss that.
MOVIE THEMES FOR PARTY THEMES
When new movies hit the box office, Netflix and Couch Potatoes go crazy about every little detail of the movie. This does not leave out the Owambes as movie themes are now used even at events at Owambes. The top two movie themes used at parties since 2021 are money Heist La Spanish Seasonal movie and squid game La Korean Seasonal Movie). Owambe parties use some of the movie’s theme songs or outfits to spice up the party.
PALM WINE
Palmwine is not a new drink you find at Owambes. Now, Palmwine is served with the feeling of the local Palmwine shrines. Some even go as far as serving guests while on a bicycle dressed in native Yoruba attire. It brings the feeling of drinking directly from a Palmwine tapper. It tastes better, try it next time.
SHISHA ON THE MENU LIST
The menu list for your Owambe party will be termed “Outdated” if you don’t add these beautiful sweet-smelling smoke jars on the tables. Big Boys and girls at Owambe parties now surround themselves with Shisha pots. In the case where there is non, guests are seen carrying their Sisha pots into the parties. Asides from aiding the party to groove, it opens up the party atmosphere and turns on the gear for party rockers.
VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE
At parties, it is a new trend to have people from all over the world attend an event even when not present. With the advent of the zoom application, people from all over the world attend parties and even communicate with the celebrant when necessary. Before now, virtual attendance was not getting the attention it now gets. People watch events through Youtube, Instagram and Facebook which must have gone through some editing process. With zoom, it delivers as the event happens with no editing at all.
ARTISTIC FRUIT WORKS
Fruits on the menu list give guests an assurance of healthy meals at an Owambe party. Fruit vendors now use the opportunity to showcase artistic expertise. The fruit vendors go as far as crafting live sculptures with varieties of fruits.
CAMERA SESSIONS
At Owambe parties, it is normal to have the camera crew flashing the lights every now and then to take the perfect moment. In Owambe, hosts now add flavour to their events with graphic camera sessions with mobile booths and a 360 camera stage. Guests usually gather around to enjoy the fun-packed session with the 360 camera. When next you attend an Owambe party don’t forget to explore this session.
SCRUNCHIES REPLACING GELE
What is an Owambe party without gele? The beauty of an Owambe party is the different gele styles on different beautiful women. Recently auto gele came on the party scene and lasted a few years before 2021 when scrunchie began to take up the Owambe scene.
Scrunchies are gele materials sewn into headbands and easier to wear, unlike the normal gele or autogele.
ANKARA WITH THE TWIST
Before now, Ankara was the general Aso-Ebi no matter the class of the party. When lace and other fancy materials took over the market, Ankara only stayed at parties with a twist. Chantilly lace is now the new frill you find on every lady’s Ankara no matter the style or Owambe party.
DESSERTS AND SWEETS
For desserts, Owambes now serve varieties of sweets and brownies for desserts. When desserts were first introduced, they came with cakes and Ice Cream only. Now, desserts have long numerous lists such as flavoured cakes, waffles, flavoured ice cream, sweets and others.
STRIPPERS
Yes! Before now strippers were mainly restricted to clubs and lounges, but not anymore. At the end of some Owambe parties, the host switches off bright light as strippers dance on poles.
CELEBRANTS RIDING ON HORSES
The entrance of the host of an Owambe party is meant to leave an impact on the minds of guests. Hosts now arrive at their parties on horses. Popular movie actress Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi arrived at her movie premiere on a  horse in 2021. How Chic!
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