Ajiwere or Ajisari group as they are fondly called has since existed in the early years of Nigeria’s Independence. They thrived mainly in Muslim dominated areas. In Lagos popular Ajiwere groups could be found in Islamic communities like Isale Eko, Lafiaji, Okepopo, etc.

Ajiwere start their days each night shortly after the Isha prayers and after observation of Taraweeh. They are seen visibly roaming the streets singing and dancing around houses of notable muslim clerics waking them up to take Sari( early morning food taken during ramadan fast).

Before the end of Ramadan Ajiwere Groups gather in a hall or open field in a singing competition where prices are awarded to winners.

This tradition has been sustained by Alhaji Taiwo and Kehinde Oni Bembe Oru popular Ajisari group born in 1957 and residing in Ibadan.

Taiwo and Kehinde featured in Sikiru Ayinde Barristers Current Affairs Album ( 1989). This album was recorded during the conferment of SAB as Seriki Nwaka Kano by Emir of Kano Ado Bayero.

SAB was confered as Seriki due to the religious teachings in his songs.

Today Taiwo and Kehinde’s art has been sustained by a patronage tradition borne out of deep Islamic cultural Yoruba roots.

Words /Photograph/Bimbo Esho

Bimbo Esho is the Managing Director of Evergreen Musical Limited, Lagos