Yoruba

Yoruba refers to both a rich ethnic group and a language primarily spoken in southwestern Nigeria and parts of neighboring countries. The Yoruba people have a vibrant culture known for their art, music, and traditional religion, which features a pantheon of deities called Orishas. The Yoruba language, one of Nigeria’s major languages, uses a tonal system that influences meaning. Yoruba traditions emphasize community, respect for elders, and a strong connection to ancestry. Globally, the diaspora has also spread Yoruba culture through migration, influencing various aspects of African and Afro-American life.