Agbachaekurunwa
The name of this dance is agbachaekurunwa, performed by Nmanwanyi wu di dance group (meaning a woman's beauty is her husband) from mmede abali Umucho
It is native to Mmeda abali in Ihiteafoukwu.
This dance from inception targeted newly married young women whose participation and dance steps appeal to their husbands and as a result are impregnated by their husbands in no time
As a woman, we got married into the community and met already married women who escorted us to our husband's house participating in the dance.
Out of curiosity, we asked for the name of the dance.
We were told it is Agbachaekurunwa
So we became interested in the dance and learnt that every married woman is mandated to be part of it
The dance steps of the women dancers strengthen the affection of their husbands towards them
Any newly married young woman begets a child by participating in the dance.
This dance is performed by only women
We deem it a blessing from God as women who perform in this dance
We perform it during the Christmas period
Mostly, the dance is performed in November through the New year and attracts our children in diaspora back home every year to enjoy the performance of the dance.
and where we are invited to display in burial and child dedication ceremonies.
We have been to Delta State, Umuahia, and even Aba because of this dance to perform on invitation
Our dance attire include white blouse with a red wrapper tied on it
white handkerchief, ankle wear and a headgear depicting we are married women that supports our husbands.
Wherever you see our attire, you would know we are members of the nmanwanyi bu di (The beauty of a woman is her husband) dance group
The particular wrapper we use to carry our children on the back is the same one we tie when displaying in the dance
We use that same wrapper to carry our child on the back after dancing
There are instrument for playing in the dance
They are ishi ogwe, udu (metal pot), oyo, ogele (metal gong) and okwa (wooden gong) used for the dance