Igbo Kwenu!!! - by Esther Lawrence

Today, I refuse to be humble Not when I speak about my tribe... Cha Cha Cha Cha Cha,Igbo Kwenu!!!-A chant that holds all sense of belonging! Ndị ọma na-ege ntị, ndewo nụ o My wonderful audience, I greet you speciallyPermit me to brag about a five-state nation,Nine siblings linked by language, yet differ by tradition A language that speaks of the hardships of my ancestors,A language so beautiful, so profound, so delicateA language that forces the laughter out of you, on good and bad daysA language that makes you turn sharply in excitement to the stranger you just met far from homeAnd exclaim with so much joy "Nwanne m!" (my sibling!) Ndị Igbo Rie Nụ!!Oh, don't get me started on our culinary skillsI'm not even kidding when I say this,Ofe Akwụ is a threat to my weight loss journey A perfect mix of ingredients that makes a pot of rice look too smallThat Ofe onugbu, Ofe ọha, Ofe nsala, Ofe owerri, Ofe achara, a kwọrọ aka sie (properly made),Perfectly paired with the king of swallow (pounded yam) or ezigbo akpụIs enough to keep your man running back straight home at close of work(Shh, I just told you a big secret) And food is not the only thing we cook well o!Have you been praised in our language before?!Your heart will melt, I'm telling you!As women, we're taught that food is not the only way to a man's heart,So, our eulogies are intentionally crafted, To very easily push one's mumu buttonAnd calm Odogwu down when he's stressed outAnd for our men, need I say much?If you've been there you already knowThat if an Igbo man decides to go all out in toasting you,"E too sure for him". Ndị Igbo ṅụọ nụ!!This guy is a star player on his own,A drink extraordinary enough that even our ancestors want a taste through libation,From Ịgba Nkwụ (marriage ceremony) to Igụ aha (naming ceremony) to Ili mmadụ (burial ceremony)Mmanya nkwụ (Palm wine) holds a significant presence in every gatheringShall I now talk about the kolanut, ọjị ?My people say: "He who brings kola brings life"A sacred offering symbolising acceptance, divine communion and hospitality Such power it wields, to unite even the living and the deadThat it cannot be eaten at a gathering without a ritual - ịwa ọjị Ndị Igbo Kwezuo Nụ o!!!And indeed, we can all agreeThat our men are the most industrious beings,Born with a natural flair for the business world Taking territories in every space they inhabitI mean, not surprising right?Even our four weekdays were named "market days" - Eke, Orie, Afọ and NkwọAnd our women?? Our beautiful, wonderful Igbo women??If you're looking for women of impeccable beauty, wit, wisdom and character I'd take one for the team, so feel free to take a picture of me and keep! (wink wink) Don't let my name deceive you o!A bụ m ezigbo nwa afọ Igbo -A full fledged daughter of the soil!And to all my lovely Igbo people,You are special, You are beautifully unique You are a part of a fertile land sprouting greatness!So the next time you hear "Igbo Kwenu!!",Shout your "Hee!!", with the most deserved pride!!

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