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Leading Figures: Top 10 Renowned Bariba Personalities

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The Bariba ethnic group is primarily located in the northern regions of Benin and Nigeria. They are known for their cultural heritage, which includes traditional music, dance, and craftsmanship. Over the years, several individuals of Bariba ethnicity have gained popularity in various fields. Here are 10 famous celebrities and notable people from the Bariba ethnicity:

  • Zouréhatou Koraï – A well-known singer and dancer from Benin who has been instrumental in promoting traditional Bariba music and dance.

  • Ali Baba – One of Nigeria’s most famous comedians, Ali Baba has entertained audiences around the world with his hilarious stand-up performances.

  • Seydou Keïta – Born in Mali to Bariba parents, Seydou Keïta is renowned for his iconic black and white portrait photography, capturing the beauty and diversity of African culture.

  • Saré Boubé – A legendary gong player and master drummer, Saré Boubé has inspired countless musicians with his mesmerizing rhythms.

  • Ouérérou Kaina – A talented actor and filmmaker from Benin, Ouérérou Kaina has appeared in numerous films that shed light on the Bariba culture and history.

  • Mamane – Known for his witty and insightful comedy, Mamane is a popular stand-up comedian, playwright, and radio presenter from Niger.

  • Yabre Babba Issaka – A successful entrepreneur who co-founded the telecommunications company Telecel Faso in Burkina Faso.

  • Yemi Alade – Born in Nigeria to a Bariba father, Yemi Alade is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter known for her infectious Afro-pop and energetic stage performances.

  • Nadjirou Sallah – A talented footballer from Benin, Nadjirou Sallah has represented his country in international competitions and currently plays for the Benin national team.

  • Talatou Djibo – A prominent women’s rights activist from Niger, Talatou Djibo has been instrumental in advocating for gender equality and promoting access to education for girls.

The Yoruba people (US: YOR-ə-bə, UK: YORR-uub-ə; Yoruba: Ìran Yorùbá, Ọmọ Odùduwà, Ọmọ Káàárọ̀-oòjíire) are a West African ethnic group who mainly inhabit parts of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. The areas of these countries primarily inhabited by the Yoruba are often collectively referred to as Yorubaland. The Yoruba make more than 44 million people in Africa, are over a million outside the continent, and bear further representation among members of the African diaspora. The vast majority of the Yoruba population is today within the country of Nigeria, where they make up 15.5% of the country's population according to CIA estimations, making them one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa. Most Yoruba people speak the Yoruba language, which is the Niger-Congo language with the largest number of native or L1 speakers.In Africa, the Yoruba are contiguous with the Yoruboid Itsekiri to the south-east in the northwest Niger Delta, Bariba to the northwest in Benin and Nigeria, the Nupe to the north, and the Ebira to the northeast in central Nigeria. To the east are the Edo, Ẹsan, and Afemai groups in mid-western Nigeria. To the northeast and adjacent to the Ebira and northern Edo, groups are the related Igala people on the left bank of the Niger River. To the south are the Gbe-speaking Mahi, Gun, Fon, and Ewe who border Yoruba communities in Benin and Togo, to the west they are bordered by the Kwa-speaking Akebu, Kposo of Togo, and to the northwest, by the Kwa-speaking Anii, and the Gur speaking Kabiye, Yom-Lokpa and Tem people of Togo. Significantly Yoruba populations in other West African countries can also be found in Ghana, Benin, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone.Outside Africa, the Yoruba diaspora consists of two main groupings; the first being that of the Yorubas taken as slaves to the New World between the 16th to 19th centuries, notably to the Caribbean (especially in Cuba) and Brazil, and the second consisting of a wave of relatively recent migrants, the majority of whom began to migrate to the United Kingdom and the United States following some of the major economic and political changes encountered in Africa in the 1960s to 1980s.

Most Famous Bariba People

Bariba’s Three Pinnacle Historical Inheritances

The Bariba community is a culturally rich and historically significant ethnic group located in the Benin Republic and Nigeria. With a population of over one million, the Bariba people have a long history dating back to the 17th century when they established their kingdom in the Borgu region of West Africa. The Bariba are known for their unique traditions, vibrant festivals, and rich cultural heritage, which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Here are three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Bariba heritage:

  • Bariba Kingdom: The Bariba Kingdom, also known as Borgu, was a powerful kingdom that existed from the 17th century until the late 19th century. It was renowned for its strong military and political structure, as well as its vast trading network. The kingdom was ruled by a council of elders led by the elected king, known as the Sarkin Borgu. The Bariba Kingdom played a significant role in shaping the regional politics and economy of West Africa.
  • Bini Influence: The Bariba people were heavily influenced by the neighboring Bini Kingdom, an ancient kingdom in what is now present-day Nigeria. The Bini people introduced their language, religion, and political system to the Bariba during the reign of Oba Ewuare the Great in the 15th century. This influence can still be seen in the religious practices, art, and architecture of the Bariba people today.
  • Blacksmithing and Bronze Casting: The Bariba people have a strong tradition of craftsmanship, particularly in blacksmithing and bronze casting. They are known for their skill in forging iron tools, weapons, and decorative objects. The Bariba blacksmiths are highly respected within their community and play a vital role in preserving this traditional craft. Bronze casting is also an integral part of Bariba culture, with intricately designed bronze sculptures and masks being used in ceremonies and rituals.

The Bariba community takes immense pride in their cultural heritage and strives to preserve and promote their traditions. Through their language, music, dance, and festivals, the Bariba people continue to celebrate and pass on their rich history to future generations.

Ethnic Factsheet: The Bariba People

Country Population Region
Benin 1,225,309 Atacora, Borgou, Alibori, Donga, Zou
Nigeria 270,000 Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Oyo
Togo 47,000 Mono, Couffo, Plateaux
Burkina Faso 20,000 Atacora, Boucle du Mouhoun
The Bariba people, self designation Baatonu (plural Baatombu), are the principal inhabitants of Borgou and Alibori Departments, Benin, and cofounders of the Borgu kingdom of what is now northeast Benin and west-central Nigeria. In Nigeria, they are found spread between western Kwara State and the Borgu section of Niger State. There are perhaps a million Bariba, 70% of them in Benin, where they are the fourth largest ethnic group and comprise approximately 1/11 of the population (9.2%).The Bariba are concentrated primarily in the north-east of the country, especially around the city of Nikki, which is considered the traditional Bariba capital. At the end of the 18th century, they became independent from the Yoruba of Oyo and formed several kingdoms in the Borgou region. The colonization of Benin (then Dahomey) by the French at the end of the 19th century, and the imposition of an Anglo-French artificial border, ended Bariba trade in the region. One of their noted festivals is the annual Gani festival of which horse riding is a prominent element.The Bariba people hold an important place in the history of the country. During the late 19th century, Baribawas known to constitute independent statesand dominate with kingdomsin cities like Nikki and Kandi in the northeast of the country. In the town of Pehunko, there are approximately 200,000 Bariba people out of 365,000 inhabitants.Agriculture is the dominant occupation for the Bariba. They grow corn, sorghum, rice, cotton, cassava (tapioca), yams, beans, palm oil, peanuts and some poultry and livestock. Religion plays an important role in the Bariba tribe and they are primarily Islamic. However, a number of Bariba communities have their own indigenous beliefs.

The Ancient Heritage of Bariba Ethnic Groups

Bariba Ethnicity: References and Resources

References and resources to dig deeper about the Bariba ethnic group:

  • Books:
    • “Bariba Religion and Politics in Benin” by Timothy Insoll
    • “Conversations with the High Priest of Coovi” by Simeon Afouda
    • “The Bariba Indians of Brazil: Culture, Consumption, and the Limits of Globalization” by Gregory Rabassa
  • Academic Journals:
    • “Bariba or Bidjogo?” by Annemarie de Waal Malefijt
    • “The Bariba and the Peul: Eastern Dahomey and French Colonialism” by I. A. A. Thompson
    • “Bariba Tales” by Espen Hammer
  • Websites:

The Bariba ethnic group is an ethnic group primarily found in the northern regions of Benin, West Africa. They have a rich cultural heritage and history, making them an intriguing subject for further research. To delve deeper into the Bariba people, there are various books, academic journals, and websites available as resources.

Books such as “Bariba Religion and Politics in Benin” by Timothy Insoll provide insights into the religious and political aspects of the Bariba society. “Conversations with the High Priest of Coovi” by Simeon Afouda offers a firsthand account of the religious practices of the Bariba people. For a unique perspective on the Bariba, “The Bariba Indians of Brazil: Culture, Consumption, and the Limits of Globalization” by Gregory Rabassa explores the influence of globalization on the Bariba people residing in Brazil.

Academic journals can also assist in gaining a deeper understanding of the Bariba ethnic group. “Bariba or Bidjogo?” by Annemarie de Waal Malefijt addresses the question of the origins and identity of the Bariba people. “The Bariba and the Peul: Eastern Dahomey and French Colonialism” by I. A. A. Thompson explores the colonial history of the Bariba, shedding light on their interactions with the French. Additionally, “Bariba Tales” by Espen Hammer provides a collection of traditional stories from the Bariba culture.

Online resources can be valuable in gaining quick and accessible information about the Bariba people. Websites such as Benin Tourism’s dedicated page on the Bariba people provide an overview of their culture and traditions. Every Culture’s article on the Bariba offers a comprehensive overview of their history, social structure, and customs. The Encyclopedia Britannica also has a well-documented entry on the Bariba, providing a concise summary of their history and cultural practices.

Delve into the lives of prominent individuals with Asmat, Alutiiq, and African-American roots, illustrating the rich tapestry of ethnic diversity. Exploring the achievements of influential figures tied to these Bariba roots offers valuable insights into the global interplay of cultures and their meaningful contributions to our world.

As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.

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