Then vs Now: How Culture Has Evolved in Nigeria

From how we dress to how we celebrate, marry, communicate, and eat, culture in Nigeria has taken bold new shapes. This blog explores a fascinating comparison of cultural life “then” — in the days of our parents and grandparents — versus “now” in the digital, fast-paced world of today.

1. Traditional Attire vs Modern Fashion

Then: Dressing was deeply tied to cultural identity. Yoruba men wore agbada, Hausa men wore babban riga, and Igbo men wore isiagu with red caps. Women adorned themselves in intricately tied gele, wrapper, and lace blouses. Dressing modestly was a cultural standard.

Now: While traditional outfits are still worn on special occasions (like weddings, naming ceremonies, and cultural days), there has been a shift to Western-style fashion. Jeans, sneakers, crop tops, suits, and even Ankara-styled jumpsuits are now common.

Young Nigerians today mix tradition with trends — think agbada with sneakers or gele with sunglasses.

2. Marriage & Family Structure

Then: Marriage was a deeply communal affair. Families were heavily involved in matchmaking. The bride price list, introduction, and traditional wedding had strict rituals. Extended family structures were common, with several generations living together or nearby.

Now: Romantic love has taken center stage. Many young people now choose their partners themselves, and nuclear family structures are more common. Interethnic marriages are increasing, and social media has become a matchmaking tool (hello, Facebook love stories!).

Still, the cultural ceremonies remain important, even if modern twists are added — like pre-wedding photoshoots and white weddings.

3. Language & Communication

Then: People spoke their native languages daily. Storytelling, proverbs, and traditional greetings were common. Letters were handwritten and often delivered by hand or postal service.

Now: While elders still speak indigenous languages, many young people prefer Pidgin English or Standard English. Native languages are slowly fading in urban homes. Communication is now digital — WhatsApp, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter).

There’s also more global slang in local conversations: “Omo, na wa o!” now meets “vibe check” and “soft life.”

• 4. Entertainment: Moonlight Tales vs Netflix & Afrobeats

  Then: Children gathered under the moonlight for folktales, games like boju boju and ten ten, and traditional dances. Drums and flutes were the heartbeat of festivals.

  Now: Entertainment has gone digital. From YouTube comedy skits to streaming Afrobeats and Nollywood movies on Netflix, everything is accessible at the touch of a screen.

  Despite this shift, cultural themes still show up in modern media. Artists like Burna Boy, Davido, and Tems incorporate tradition into their sound and visuals.

  5. Food Culture: From Firewood Pots to Fast Food

  Then: Food was organic, prepared fresh at home, and cooked with firewood. Meals like Tuwo, Amala, Fufu, and Oha soup were staples. Eating together from a shared plate symbolized unity.

  Now: Takeout, noodles, and Jollof-to-go are the norm, especially in cities. Many young Nigerians are rediscovering traditional food but with a twist — e.g., Oha soup served in restaurants with wine.

  Instagram foodies and recipe bloggers have given Nigerian cuisine a global audience.

  6. Beliefs and Values

  Then: Respect for elders, community life, and strong spirituality (both traditional and religious) defined the core of Nigerian culture. A child could be disciplined by any elder in the village.

  Now: While respect and religion remain important, individualism is rising. Young people challenge certain traditions — such as gender roles and rigid hierarchy — in favor of personal freedom.

  There’s more awareness of mental health, feminism, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy — values that weren’t always emphasized in the past.

  7. Festivals and Celebrations

  Then: Festivals like the New Yam Festival, Osun-Osogbo, Argungu Fishing Festival, and Durbar were major cultural events. These events united communities and honored deities or agricultural cycles.

  Now: While many traditional festivals still hold, they now attract tourists and are sometimes fused with concerts, red carpets, and media coverage. Social media has become the new arena for celebration and documentation.

  The Past Meets the Present

  Nigerian culture hasn’t disappeared — it’s transformed. In many ways, we live in a hybrid cultural world, where traditional beliefs blend with modern values.

  The important question is not whether culture is changing (because it always will), but how much of the past we are willing to carry with us into the future.

  If we want to protect our identity, we must celebrate and adapt our culture — not abandon it. That means:

  • Learning and teaching our native languages
  • Participating in festivals
  • Supporting local artists and fashion
  • Documenting our stories, values, antraditions

“When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.” – African proverb