Seven Facts About Ajofia Nnewi Masquerade (The Evil Forest)

1.Ajofia Masquerade was inspired by the masquerade with the same name, Ajofia, in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.

2. Ajofia Masquerade is currently the most popular and the most expensive masquerade to book in the whole of Ala Igbo. The masquerade is booked one year ahead.

3. Ajofia Masquerade is not a masquerade cult. You don’t need to belong to masquerade cult (Ima Mmowu) to be among the followers.

4. Ajofia Nnewi has six recorded studio albums. The songs have been heavily sampled by many upcoming Igbo musicians.

5. The organisational prowess of the leader is the secret to the success of the masquerade. There is a professional approach to its organisation, display and dealings while still maintaining some ethics of Igbo art of masquerading.

6. Ajofia Nnewi’s songs is a school on its own. It is the easiest outlet to learn deep and esoteric Igbo proverbs.

7. Ajofia Masquerade is a source of full-time employment to as many of its senior members. Junior members are paid per outing.

Written by Nze Tobe Osigwe(Eze Ikolommụọ)