Santii Yam Festival: A Vibrant Showcase of Mumuye Heritage

The Santii Annual Yam Festival , is more than just a culinary event. It's a showcase of the community's rich traditions, agricultural prowess, and cultural vibrancy of Mumuye heritage

The Mumuye community in recently celebrated the 4th edition of their annual Santii (Yam) Festival, a vibrant event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of this fascinating ethnic group.

Held in Kpantisawa, the administrative headquarters of  Yorro Local Government Area , the festival attracted people from all walks of life, who came together to celebrate the new yam harvest and honor their ancestors. The event was a testament to the Mumuye people's deep-rooted connection to their land and their traditions. A key feature of the festival was the Heavy Yam Challenge, aimed at encouraging farmers to enhance their skills and produce high-quality yams, establishing the Mumuye as renowned yam producers in both local and international markets.

A Celebration of Farming and Community

The Santii Yam Festival is more than just a celebration of food. It's a time for the Mumuye people to come together, strengthen their bonds, and express gratitude for the bountiful harvest they have received.  The chief of Mumuye, Alh. Ado Adamu Mazang II, noted that the festival fosters community spirit and cultural pride. "The festival served not only as a celebration of the new yam harvest but also as a moment of unity for the Mumuye people, thanking God and honoring their ancestors for a bountiful yield."

According to Mumuye tradition, all those who eat the new yams on the day of the Santi festival are guaranteed a safe and bountiful harvest in the future. They will not incur the anger of "Láá," the gods, or other supernatural forces.

Also once the offerings and rituals are completed, community members share the harvested yams with their families and friends. The sharing of the yams symbolizes the community's connection to the land, their ancestors, and the spirit world.

Hon. Joseph Kasson Kanno, representing Yorro in the Taraba State House of Assembly, commended the Mumuye yam's reputation as one of the best in Nigeria and internationally. He stressed the need for modern farming techniques and preservation methods to enhance productivity. He also urged the state government to complete the Gadda Lasheke-Kpantisawa road to facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce and called on local youths to respect authorities and promote peace.

The event featured goodwill messages from various dignitaries, including Kuru Augustine Njenmang Venkani II, Kuru Kona, representative of the Lamido of Adamawa, and Dr. David Ishaya Kassa, former Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources. They praised the festival's organizers and expressed hope for its continuity.

One of the highlights of the festival is the heavy yam challenge, where participants showcase the heaviest yam from their farm. This year, Adamu Yakubu emerged victorious with a massive yam weighing 14.50 kilograms. Other notable contestants included Kabiru Haruna (14.20kg), Abubakar Abdullahi (12.10kg), and Umar Nasir (13kg).

 A Cultural Extravaganza

Beyond the agricultural competitions, the Santii Yam Festival is a feast for the senses.

The Kwaariva (Chief Priest) at the Santi Yam Festival offers some portion of the harvested yam to Laa (God), signaling the commencement of the program. It is a taboo in Mumuye community for anyone to consume new yams before the festival.

After the offerings and rituals at the "Jáává"-Gidan Dodo- shrine are completed, the festival continues with a traditional dance performed by members of the community dressed as masquerades representing ancestral spirits and deities. The dance is lively and energetic, moving and dancing in accordance to the sound of drums and chanting. It is a joyous celebration that symbolizes the harvest, the cycle of life, and the renewal of the community.

Traditional dancers, known as "Bori" (magic dancers), entertained the crowd with their energetic performances. The festival also featured intense wrestling matches, where participants demonstrated their strength and agility.

The wrestling matches showcased the strength and agility of the Mumuye people, further illustrating the festival's theme: "Eat Yam and Become as Strong and Giant as the Mumuye." These traditional contests are a hallmark of Mumuye events, symbolizing their historical prowess in combat.

Highlights included prize presentations for the yam competition and traditional wrestling, with vibrant cultural dances from various Mumuye clans adding to the festival's colorful atmosphere.

The Chairman of the Santii Planning Committee, Alh. Sani Adamu Mazang, emphasized the importance of the festival in promoting yam farming and marketing within the community. He announced plans for a Santii Market to further support local farmers.

He said the Santii Yam Festival not only celebrates agricultural success but also reinforces the identity and heritage of the Mumuye people, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride.

A mumuye cultural enthusiast, Shuaibu Salihu  said the Santi Yam Festival is not associated with any religious beliefs. Rather, it is a celebration of the harvest and a time to give thanks for the blessing of a bountiful crop. "The people of Mumuye community sees the yam as a symbol of nourishment and sustenance, and the festival is a way to honor this important staple crop. There is no spiritual or supernatural significance attached to the festival.

 A Call for Government Support

The Mumuye community is  however seeking greater recognition and support from the Taraba State Government to help the Santii Yam Festival reach international standards. They believe that with proper government backing, the festival can become a major tourism attraction and contribute significantly to the local economy.

They said the Santii Yam Festival is a testament to the Mumuye people's resilience, creativity, and deep-rooted cultural heritage. As they continue to celebrate their traditions and promote yam farming, it is hoped that this vibrant event will continue to thrive and inspire future generations.