The spectacle of aso ebi in Lagos, 1990–2008

Abstract

This article deals with a cultural practice known as aso ebi in urban Lagos, Nigeria. Aso ebi refers to uniformed dress worn by friends and family members during social events in Nigeria. The article looks at aso ebi as a cultural practice, originally of the Yoruba, which has been absorbed into Nigerian society such that it is now seen as a national culture by many other ethnic groups in Nigeria. Part of the argument of this article is that through aso ebi national culture is invoked in Nigeria and the concept of aso ebi clothes as ‘traditional dress’ is a consequence of commodification and global capitalism. Even though it seems an acceptable cultural practice in Nigeria, modern practice of aso ebi embodies a redefinition of family and friendship networks. Again modern (mis)use locates aso ebi within the broader discourse of corruption as used by certain politicians. The article, while understanding aso ebi within broader intersections of life and politics of dress, also demonstrates the ambivalence of self fashioning as women try to outdo each other in sartorial presentation during aso ebi outings.

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