Nso’s greatest, most dreaded masquerades grace bicentenary celebration

HILLTOPVOICES Team Member May 25, 2026

The on Sunday concluded a historic three day celebration marking 200 years since the transfer of its capital from to , with some of the fondom’s most revered and feared masquerades and traditional institutions delivering spectacular performances at in Kimbo.

Some Nso masquerades

The closing ceremony attracted large crowds as sons and daughters of Nso, traditional authorities and visitors gathered at the Fon’s Palace to witness a final display of sacred heritage and cultural identity. The event marked the culmination of a commemorative programme held from May 22 to 24 under the authority of .

The final day presented itself as a vivid journey into the spiritual and cultural foundations of the Nso Nation, with performances from sacred institutions and ancestral societies considered central to the identity and continuity of the kingdom.

Among them were appearances by , , Wanmaboh, Kibarankoh, Kingaayasi and Moo Wantoh, each drawing admiration and excitement from spectators gathered at Nto’ Nso.

One of the most anticipated moments came when dances out of the palace that streaming especially with the ceremonial arrival of Kitam kee Faanjang into the palace grounds. Faanjang, recognised as one of the Ataánto institutions, was presented as a living reminder of the strength of Nso ancestral identity and cultural continuity.

Suubì from the Ŋgírì sanctum also attracted significant attention. As it moved through the palace space, it could be described as a symbolic connection between the kingdom’s historic past and its present identity.

Organisers and participants havw described the displays as an expressions of memory, authority and continuity stretching across generations from Kóv Vífə̀m to present day Kimbo.

The celebrations also featured Kidzə́n ke Vikìy kee Faanjang, alongside a graceful display involving Shigwaalá of Ŋgírì and Ŋwéròŋ moving to the rhythm of Mánjòŋ, the traditional warrior fraternity known for its discipline and symbolic significance within Nso society.

The bicentenary celebration was held under the theme of remembering history, strengthening unity and preserving the spirit of Nso. Earlier sessions had included ecumenical services, peace discussions and reflections on reconciliation.

The event also took place against the backdrop of calls by the Fon of Nso for 2026 to be observed as the Year of Love, a message centred on reconciliation, healing and rebuilding social bonds after years of conflict in the North West Region.

During the opening phase of the celebrations, speakers repeatedly urged Nso sons and daughters worldwide to revive the communal spirit that once defined the kingdom. Among them, of PC Tobin called on Nso people to rebuild unity and return to shared ancestral values before heritage slips away.

Sunday’s grand finale appeared to carry that message beyond speeches and declarations. Through rhythm, ritual and sacred performance, the bicentenary became a reaffirmation of a people’s long standing identity.

Two centuries after the journey from Kóv Vífə̀m to Kimbo, the celebration ended with a reminder that Nso history remains alive not only in memory, but in the institutions, traditions and spirit that continue to define the kingdom.

By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web with reports

Photos by Delavmfu Facebook page