Amidst all the masquerades in Igbo entertainment, Ajofia Nnewi, which operates from the commercial ancient town of Nnewi in Anambra State, is regarded currently as the most feared and respected masquerade in Igbo land.
The name Ajofia means evil forest. This shows how mysterious it is. As the most respected and feared masquerade, below are the features which make it unique.
(1) The masquerade is about 10 feet tall. According to reports, Ajofia is accompanied by over 50 men when it is going. These men help with setting up the large masquerade and also guide it until it is done for the day.
(2) There are many dead animals found on its body as well as live animals and insects crawling around the “Ajofia Newi.”
(3) Smokes are always spotted coming out of Ajofia Nnewi’s head.
(4) The masquerade always held a traditional symbol called “anunu ebe”. The Anunu Ebe is a tree in which, by repute, no bird perches and no plant grows under its canopy. It has many strong medicinal properties and is revered in Nigerian mythology.
(5) The Ajofia Nnewi masquerade has a popular song which has been recorded and played by a host of other masquerades and Igbo traditional music groups.
According to tradition, the masquerade doesn’t perform in front of women. In order for it to perform on your occasion, it costs around half a million naira.
Apart from entertainment purposes, there is speculation that it has lots of spiritual powers, especially attracting good deeds where ever it is spotted.
Culled From Igbo Masquerade Tv
