What is Owambe?

What is Owambe?

Owambe is not just a party—it’s a Nigerian phenomenon. A full-blown, no-holds-barred, unforgettable celebration of life. If you’ve never been to one, let me take you on a little journey—through my own experiences, from childhood mischief to full-grown, suit-wearing, groom’s-honour-guarding, cap-wearing adulthood.

Big Mommy’s 60th – My First Taste of Owambe (Literally and Figuratively!)

My earliest Owambe memory? Roe Park, Yaba, Lagos. Early 80s. My great-aunt’s 60th birthday. "Big Mommy," as we called her, was a legend, and so was her party.

Picture this: hundreds of people, dressed to the nines in shimmering Gele and vibrant Aso-Ebi. Music blasting, Fuji beats shaking the ground. The air thick with the aroma of jollof rice, Moinmoin, and smoky grilled meats. My cousins and I? We had one mission—dart through the crowd, collect as many bottle caps as possible, and hit the dance floor whenever our "rich uncles" started spraying naira notes. I wasn’t even sure I knew how to dance properly, but when the money rained, you moved. Love? Duty? A bit of both!

And when the party wound down, we kids had another serious competition: chair stacking. The goal? Build the tallest stack and sit on it like a king. Owambe was serious fun, even when you were knee-high to a pot of steaming jollof.

Fast Forward: The “Big Boy” Wedding at Federal Palace

By the late ‘90s, I was no longer a wide-eyed kid weaving through crowds—I was a big boy. My cousin’s wedding at Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos? Spectacular. It was a sun-drenched day by the marina, the couple arrived by speedboat (yes, speedboat!). I was there with my cousins, cigars in hand, feeling like some Lagos mafia as we took in the scene. It was an Owambe in full bloom—pure elegance, full of colour, joy, and of course, unstoppable feasting.

And then came my own turn.

Owambe, But Make It Personal: My Own Traditional Wedding

Nnewi, Eastern Nigeria. My traditional wedding. The stakes? High. The preparation? Intense.

One memory stands out—I woke up early, full of wedding jitters, only to be sent on an urgent mission to the market to buy a he-goat. Yes. A he-goat. If I wanted to marry Elizabeth, that goat had to be worthy. (The negotiations? I’d rather not talk about it.)

And then, the grand entrance to my wife’s family compound: drummers pounding, dancers leading the charge, my entire family following behind in a procession. This is how you say, “I come from good stock. Your daughter is in safe hands.” Because in Owambe, it’s never just about the party. It’s about people.

So, What’s the Big Deal About Owambe?

Owambe is where memories are made, families reunite, and joy overflows. It’s where you realize food is more than just food—it’s tradition, love, and a reminder that you belong.

And this is exactly what we bring to your table with Varo Jollof Rice and Varo Jollof Sauces. You don’t need an invitation to experience the magic of Owambe. We bring the instant Owambe to you—bold flavours, rich tradition, and that unforgettable taste of home.

So go on, put on your finest (or just your comfiest pyjamas), grab a spoon, and let’s party Nigerian style! 

From my family’s Owambe to yours,

Omamo Binitie
British-Nigerian, Jollof Enthusiast & Co-Founder of Varofoods