Wazobia (Yoruba pronunciation: [wàzɔ́bíà]) is a term that means "come" in three major Nigerian languages: Yoruba (wa), Hausa (zo), and Igbo (bia).[1] It is often used as a symbol of unity, diversity, and inclusion in Nigeria, a country with over 250 ethnic groups and languages.[1] The term is also used as a name for various media outlets, cultural events, and social movements in Nigeria.
| Origin/etymology | Nigeria |
|---|---|
| Meaning | "Come" in Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo |
Etymology edit
The term Wazobia was coined by combining the words wa, zo, and bia, which all mean "come" in Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo respectively.[2] These are the three largest ethnic groups and languages in Nigeria, accounting for about 60% of the population.[1] The term was first used in the 1970s by Nigerian radio broadcasters to appeal to listeners from different regions and backgrounds.[2] It later became popularized by various media outlets, such as Wazobia FM, Wazobia TV, and Wazobia Magazine.[1]
Usage edit
Wazobia is also used as a name for various media outlets, cultural events, and social movements in Nigeria that aim to reach out to a wide audience and address various issues affecting the country. Some examples are Wazobia FM, a radio station that broadcasts in Pidgin English, Wazobia TV, a television station that also broadcasts in Pidgin English.[3]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b c d Fasan, Rotimi (2 January 2015). "'Wetin dey happen?': Wazobia, popular arts, and nationhood". Journal of African Cultural Studies. 27 (1). Informa UK Limited: 7–19. doi:10.1080/13696815.2014.977852. ISSN 1369-6815.
- ^ a b Batra, Kanika (1 March 2017). "Polygamous Postcolonialism and Transnational Critique in Tess Onwueme's The Reign of Wazobia". Meridians. 15 (2). Duke University Press: 330–352. doi:10.2979/meridians.15.2.03. ISSN 1536-6936. S2CID 148710162.
- ^ Batra, Kanika (1 March 2017). "Polygamous Postcolonialism and Transnational Critique in Tess Onwueme's The Reign of Wazobia". Meridians. 15 (2). Duke University Press: 330–352. doi:10.2979/meridians.15.2.03. ISSN 1536-6936. S2CID 148710162.