Swati discusses the Orishas, the supernatural spirits and central characters of several African and African diasporic faiths– exclusively for Different Truths. “Mama used to say that in the beginning,...
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February 13, 2023
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Swati Kumar
Yorubas Live Through Music and Dance
Music and dancing are integral parts of the Yoruba way of life. Sango might have communicated with his worshippers via dancing, opines Swati – exclusively for Different Truths. Kòkòrò tó...
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January 30, 2023
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Swati Kumar
The Masquerades of Yorubaland
Masquerades have supernatural powers, and the costumes and masks are considered totems of the Nigerian tribes, states Swati – exclusively for Different Truths. À ń pe gbẹ́nàgbẹ́nà ẹyẹ àkókó ń yọjú –...
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January 23, 2023
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Swati Kumar
Strength & Wisdom: Yoruba has the World’s Highest Twinning Rate
Tracing the traditions of Yoruba, Swati informs that twins are very important for the Yoruba – exclusively for Different Truths. Ọgbọ́n ju agbára lọ “Wisdom is better than strength.”...
The Beginning: Oral Tradition & Folklore of the Yorubas
Swati traces the origin of the Yoruba nation lost in obscurity – exclusively for Different Truths. Odò tó ńṣàn kì í b’ojú w’ẹ̀hìn “A flowing stream never flows backwards.” ~ A famous Yoruba...
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January 9, 2023
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Swati Kumar
Lost Identity & History: A Piece of Gold
For centuries before the arrival of the British colonial administration, most Yoruba already lived in well-structured urban centres, informs Swati, in an eclectic write-up – exclusively for Different Truths. Wúrà tó...
Nigeria: Ethnicity and Major Tribes
Archaeologists have found evidence of Neolithic humans in Nigeria as far back as 12,000 B.C.E. Swati deliberates on its ethnicity and major tribes in a new weekly column, beginning this Monday –...
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July 28, 2021
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Swati Kumar
Togo: The Largest Voodoo Market in the World
Togo’s capital city of Lomé is the birthplace of the largest Voodoo market in the world – a kind of super supply store for fetishes, charms and anything else...
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September 22, 2018
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Swati Kumar
Togo: The Largest Voodoo Market in the World
Togo’s capital city of Lomé is the birthplace of the largest Voodoo market in the world – a kind of super supply store for fetishes, charms and anything else...