In Nigeria's past, the arrival of a governor or foreign dignitary was marked by a unique display of sound, art, and rhythm. Unlike the modern displays of power, which often feature loud sirens and tinted vehicles, ancestors used music to create a sense of order, awe, and collective pride. Historical archives reveal that Nigeria's original protocol teams used music, art, and rhythm to welcome dignitaries with immense dignity and celebrate authority.
In Northern Nigeria and parts of the ancient Oyo and Benin kingdoms, royal trumpeters used instruments known as Kakaki or royal horns to herald the arrival of a king or ambassador. The Kakaki, a long metal trumpet, was reserved for royalty, emirs, and supreme dignitaries. When blown, the instrument could project sound across kilometres, acting as an ancient broadcast network, signalling the arrival of someone of immense importance.
The Onigangan Squad, a group of master palace drummers, played a crucial role in directing royal protocol. Dressed in traditional attire, they used Gangan, famous Yoruba talking drums, to speak through their instruments, mimicking human speech by squeezing leather strings under their armpits. As guests arrived, the drummers would beat out their names, praise their family lineage, and recount their achievements, creating a personalised welcome.
The arrival of a VIP in old Nigeria was an immersive, high-energy theatrical experience, not a cold, stiff corporate meeting. The drummers' performance synced with the stomping feet of acrobatic dancers, creating a shared rhythm that unified the community. This allowed ordinary citizens to gather, dance, and share in the celebration of leadership, reminding visiting dignitaries that their power was tied to the energy and support of the public.
These historical practices reveal a sophisticated civilisation where music was the ultimate red carpet. The use of sound, art, and rhythm to welcome dignitaries was a unique aspect of Nigerian culture, showcasing the importance of community and celebration in the country's history.
The Guardian's archive features throwback photographs that capture Nigeria's original protocol teams, including royal horn blowers and elite talking drummers. These images provide a glimpse into the country's past, highlighting the significance of music and art in Nigerian culture and tradition.
The use of music and art to herald power and welcome dignitaries is a lost art in modern Nigeria, replaced by mechanical displays of power. However, by looking back at historical archives, it is clear that this practice was an integral part of Nigerian culture, celebrating authority and community in a unique and meaningful way.
Key points
- The use of royal horns and talking drums was a unique aspect of Nigerian culture, used to herald the arrival of dignitaries and celebrate authority.
- The Onigangan Squad, master palace drummers, played a crucial role in directing royal protocol, using talking drums to speak through their instruments.
- The arrival of a VIP in old Nigeria was an immersive, high-energy theatrical experience, uniting the community in celebration of leadership.
