The main purpose of the Ekombi dance is to amuse the audience. But along the way, it provides a glimpse into certain facets of the Efik people’s existence. The show consists of dance routines, outfits, makeup, props, music, and songs that amuse the audience while also revealing some parts of the Efik people’s beliefs. Since the Efik are a coastal people with fishing as their primary industry, their dance, the Ekombi, mimics the waves of the sea.
Nigerian culture places a lot of importance on dance. The variety of our traditional dances reflects the rich diversity of our population, which is as diverse as our people. The traditional dances performed at festivals differ from those performed at other ceremonial events because different dances are used for different occasions.
The delicate flow of undulating body parts, which strikes the ideal balance between outrageous quirkiness and exquisite swaying, is in fact what makes Ekombi dance so beautiful. Maidens do this lovely and enjoyable dance while wearing multicolored outfits that are constructed as tiny skirts and blouses. The Ekombi dancers whine gracefully to the rhythmic beats of the Efik drummers in the motion of the ocean tides while heavily beaded on every limb and waist.
In order to highlight their attractiveness, the maidens are dressed in incredibly lovely and vibrant costumes and accessories, such as necklaces, brass combs, intricate hairstyles, and body and facial makeup. With the rhythmic beats of the Efik drummers, the Ekombi dancers sway gently like the ocean tides.
It is one of the Efik people of Cross River State’s most revered dances.
