So, I’ve been away from the blog for a while now and have kept procrastinating especially since I started a new job. I’ve been trying to find a balance and I’ll tell y’all about it in due time. In the meantime, I’m back with a northern wedding (4-day) post.
If you’re following me on IG or you’re on my WhatsApp, you would’ve been tired of my stories already because #BecomingTheIMKs was lit! My friend, Ilham got married to her heartthrob, Ibrahim.
In Nigeria as we already know, the traditional wedding ceremony is determined by the bride’s culture. Since Ilham is Hausa-Fulani, the traditional wedding ceremony (‘Kamu’) was held in Kano, in North West Nigeria where her father, ‘Dan Malikin Kano’ is from.
Prior to this stage, Ibrahim and his family, as required by tradition visited the Bride’s family as an act called “Kai Gaisuwa” (The Engagement). This is when the groom’s family officially asks the bride’s family for her hand in marriage. Theirs occurred earlier in March in Kano when both families agreed upon this union.
The first day of the event started with arrival of guests and a mini tour of Kano. The bride and her friends/guests visited the Emir’s palace and Gidan Makama Museum. After that was Durbar.
Durbar is a colorful exposition of the culture of the Kano people. During this festive day, men and horses dress in their special attire designed for ceremonies while riding around town and the Ladies are welcome to watch.
The day ended with a Moroccan night. Her father, Ambassador Ahmed Umar’s (Dan Malikin Kano) first posting was in Morocco where Ilham was born. This event was a relaxing and fun evening full of Moroccan delicacies, henna painting and lots of dancing. It was a ladies only event, however, the groom and friends made an appearance.
I wasn’t actually around on day 1 but everyone was kept in the loop via the WhatsApp group. Everyone got acquainted with one another especially people staying in same place.
We had people who flew in from the UK, USA, Saudi Arabia and different parts of the country. Places were made available for the bridesmaids. We had our own ‘Frat House’, a guest house just for us.
Two hotels were also used for people interested, other guests and the photography crew. The Moroccan night was only the beginning of the rest of the activities.
Day 2 (Kamu) coming up in the next post, you don’t want to miss it.
So, what have you been up to?
Thanks for stopping by
Xx!
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Wow, this brings back sooo much memories! Grew up in the North- Maiduguri and Jos to be exact while I schooled in Port Harcourt. Very rich culture. Excellent blog btw! And no I can’t speak Hausa!