It is a huge celebration of culture at a Yoruba wedding and there are two Alagas in a Yorùbá wedding- Alaga Iduro and Alaga Ijoko who coordinate a Yoruba traditional wedding ensuring that all rites are performed duly and the whole ceremony is a success. Many recognize them but do not fully know their roles and responsibilities in a wedding ceremony.
The ‘Alaga Ijoko’ (the sitting MC) for the bride’s family and the ‘Alaga Iduro’ (the standing MC) for the groom’s family. They coordinate the affairs of each side and merge together for the success of the whole event. The Alaga Iduro introduces the groom’s family and allows them to make formal introductions with the bride’s family. The Alaga Ijoko also introduces the bride as she dances forward to meet her new family and her parents.
The couple both hire their Alaga or give the contract to just one Alaga or compere company. Bride’s family gets an Alaga ijoko who stands as their spokesperson and as the host Alaga at the event. While the groom’s family hire the services of an Alaga ìdúró as their spokesperson who stands as the guest Alaga at the event. Read also: Ojo Igbeyawo: The Yoruba Traditional Wedding List
The success of a Yoruba traditional wedding lies in the hands of the Alaga Iduro and Alaga Ijoko who play fun games with the couple and their families to make the ceremony fun. They also shower prayers on the couple, their home, and the family. You must love to sing, dance for you to succeed in this role because they are the ones who make the entire ceremony fun and interesting.
In modern times the Alaga now gives gifts to the couples whose traditional events they compere from customized pillows to other customized items as a way to wish them all the best in their new home and endeavour. There are training centres for the Alaga’s where they learn to perfect their skills and also get with the trends in recent times.
FAQs
What is the difference between Alaga Iduro and Alaga ijoko?
The traditional master of ceremonies for the bride’s family is called Alaga Ijoko, and Alaga Iduro represents the groom’s family. Their roles are to properly
officiate and coordinate the proceedings so that every tradition’s requirement is strictly followed.
How much does Alaga Iduro charge?
An average Alaga Iduro/Ijoko in Nigeria charge between 50,000 to 180,000 and more, it depends on the circumstances
What is Alaga Iduro?
The masters of Yoruba traditional marriage rites are known as Alaga (Iduro and Ijokoo). They perform Yoruba traditional marriage rites with diverse musical performances.
In Alaga (Iduro and Ijoko) musical performances, song lyrics are recorded and examined as a means of communication.
