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The Shekere: Sound, Symbol, and Tradition (PHOTOS)

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The shekere is a beaded gourd instrument whose sound and symbolism have echoed across generations in West Africa. While strongly associated with the Yoruba of Southwestern Nigeria, where oral traditions trace its use to palace and communal life, the shekere is also central to the musical heritage of the Ewe, Igbo, Hausa, and Mandé peoples, reflecting its wide cultural reach.

Early accounts suggest that gourds were sometimes filled with stones and shaken to create rhythm, before evolving into the distinctive beaded net form recognized today. Among the Yoruba, stories describe gourds in palace settings being adapted into musical instruments. While such narratives highlight Yoruba creativity, they should be seen as oral tradition rather than confirmed historical fact.

The shekere carries sacred and social significance. In Yoruba practice, it is often used in ceremonies honoring the òrìṣà, especially during festivals for Ṣàngó (god of thunder) and Òṣun (goddess of fertility and rivers). There are distinct forms:

The “olowo eyo” or “shekere aje”, adorned with cowrie shells, reserved for royal or ceremonial functions.

The everyday type, used in both religious worship and social gatherings, emphasizing the instrument’s versatility.

Today, the shekere continues to thrive as both a ritual instrument and a modern performance tool, connecting diasporic communities and global audiences with its vibrant sound. Its enduring presence underscores the adaptability of African cultural traditions and their role in shaping world music.

Date: Pre-19th Century to Present.
Photo Credit: Shamazilla via pinterest.

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Lifestyle

Nollywood legend Pete Edochie reveals his favourite Nigerian politician

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Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has revealed that former Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is his favourite Nigerian politician of all time.

Speaking on a recent episode of Curiosity Made Me Ask, hosted by content creator BaeU, Edochie explained that Awolowo pioneered several developmental initiatives in Nigeria, including establishing the first television station and introducing free primary education.

He said, regrettably, Awolowo never won a presidential election despite his impressive achievements.

“I am not into politics but if you ask me who is or was my favourite politician, I will tell you it is Obafemi Awolowo. Awolowo will tell you, ‘I’m going to build this thing, it will cost so-and-so amount and this is where I’m going to get the money from.’ There is no politician who has achieved that kind of transparency.

“Awolowo brought television to Nigeria in 1959. It was the first in Africa. And we in the East started using television in 1960. He also introduced free primary education. Regrettably, he never became president,” he said.

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Lifestyle

Why Do Some People Hate Being Corrected?

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Some people can accept praise without a problem—but the moment you point out their mistake, everything changes.

You bring facts, they bring anger.

You try to explain, they become defensive.

You calmly point out that they may be wrong, and suddenly you become the problem.

But why?

For some people, being corrected feels like an attack on their intelligence, authority, or pride. Instead of seeing correction as an opportunity to learn, they see it as an attempt to embarrass them.

And let’s be honest: nobody knows everything.

Even intelligent and experienced people make mistakes. The ability to listen, reconsider your position, and admit when you are wrong is not weakness—it is a sign of maturity.

At the same time, correction should be done with respect. There is a big difference between helping someone understand their mistake and deliberately embarrassing them in front of others.

The real question is:

Do people hate being corrected because of pride, or because they genuinely believe they are right?

And another question:

How do you react when someone points out that you are wrong?

👇 Share your opinion in the comments. Let’s have an honest conversation.

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Parental Trauma vs. Outside Trauma: Which Hurts Children More?

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A child can survive many difficult experiences—but what happens when the person causing the pain is the same person they expect to protect them?

This is a question many families may not want to discuss.

Trauma from outsiders can come from bullying, relatives, teachers, friends, or other people. It can damage a child’s confidence and leave emotional scars for years.

But parental trauma can feel different.

When a child repeatedly experiences humiliation, rejection, harsh insults, neglect, constant comparison, fear, or emotional abuse from a parent, the child may begin to question their own worth.

The painful irony is that the child may still desperately want the love and approval of the person hurting them.

But here is where the debate gets complicated:

Is parental trauma always worse than trauma from outsiders?

Or can an experience involving an outsider be just as devastating—or even worse—depending on what happened and how long it lasted?

🔥 THE NEWSBREAK365 QUESTION:

Which one do you think hurts children more?

🔴 PARENTAL TRAUMA
🔵 TRAUMA CAUSED BY OUTSIDERS

Don’t just choose one.

Tell us what you think and explain your reasons. 👇

Someone reading your comment may see their own childhood experience differently.

What do you think?

#NewsBreak365 #ChildhoodTrauma #Parenting #ParentingDebate #FamilyMatters #ChildProtection #MentalHealth #AfricanParents #NigerianParents #LetsTalk

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