Badagry’s cultural themes range from music and masquerade to religious traditions and historic sites. When choosing a culturally themed stay, it helps to distinguish between these different aspects. Cultural traditions raise different questions from specific places with a named purpose, date or historical context.

Sato Drums: Origins and Performance

According to tradition, the Sato drums are said to have originated in Akarakumoh in Badagry. Kodjo, Avidagba and Tosavi built them; they were first played in the village of Akarakumoh. In Badagry, the drums are played on special occasions, particularly at the funerals of older and respected people. They are about three metres tall and are played with seven long drumsticks. During performances, the players jump in time with the drums, wear traditional clothing and perform acrobatic feats. The origin story, occasion and style of performance thus offer different insights into the same tradition.

Egungun and Igunuko

Egungun is a tradition in Badagry and Yorubaland. It represents the ancestry of families and communities as well as the spiritual return of deceased ancestors, who bless, guide and protect the living. Igunuko is a traditional masquerade in Badagry, known for its imposing appearance and profound spiritual symbolism. Both traditions therefore have a spiritual dimension, but their emphases differ: Egungun connects community and ancestors, while Igunuko foregrounds the masquerade and its symbolism.

First Storey Building and Agia Tree

Nigeria’s First Storey Building is located in the Boekoh district of Badagry. Rev. C.A. Gollmer built it in June 1845 as the residence of the CMS vicar. The builder, month and purpose place the building precisely in its historical context: a specific point in time is linked to a specific function.

According to tradition, the Gospel was first preached in Nigeria beneath the Agia Tree; the tree lived to be about 350 years old. The building and the tree thus tell different kinds of stories: the building is defined by its construction date and function as a residence, while the tree is associated with a religious tradition and an approximate age.

Slave Route and Gberefu

The historic Slave Route refers to the path along which enslaved people were driven between the 16th and 19th centuries. The walk from Gberefu Jetty to the coast at the Point of No Return is said to take about twenty minutes. This walking time applies to that section; the period from the 16th to the 19th century describes the historic route, not the duration of a visit.

Near Badagry is the Slave Spirit Attenuation Well at Gberefu Sea Beach, on the other side of the lagoon directly opposite Badagry’s slave port. Enslaved people were forced to drink from it. The two sites show different aspects of the same history: the route represents being driven along the path, while the well represents forced drinking.

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