The Arewa Girl

  

As I've been getting older, I'm gradually understanding some things. I'm starting to see and appreciate the beauty of my culture.

'Arewa' is the hausa word for North. The Northern part of Nigeria is mainly occupied by the hausa people. Almost every one in arewa speaks hausa. All other languages in arewa kind of fall under hausa. According to Bayajidda's(The founder of the hausa kingdom) story my very own Nupe language falls under the banza bakwai(Bogus seven) because according to the myth,our ancestor was a slave. I don't agree with that part of Bayyajidda's story though. Banza bakwai??? Seriously? Alright, enough of mythology.

This is the 'Tambarin Arewa' meaning the sign of The North 

A very beautiful aspect of the arewa culture is our mode of dressing. Every arewa girl takes pride in dressing up traditionally. I'm not exaggerating but every time I wear my atamfa,tie my dankwali(hair tie) and put on accessories, I transform into a beautiful princess. The gele(veil) is another stunning contributor to the attire. The gele is draped over the ankara to further cover the body. You'll be amazed by how much it'll beautify the outfit.

My Scottish cousin Mariam,looks stunning in full Atamfa(Ankara)

The arewa girl is an outstanding creature whose beauty is kept covered yet it stands out. This radiant beauty shines inside and out. The culture itself protects gher and trains her to become an impeccable person. It teaches her to remain true to her self and dedicated to the betterment society. She has the most generous soul...ever willing to give,ever willing to help.

Maryam and Rukkaya looking beautiful in their attire