By Pascal Oparada
The famous Isi Agu dress, worn mostly by Nigerians from the South East, is making a come back in grand style.
Originally worn by individuals of ‘high standing’ in the society like Ozo title holders, Isi Agu, is now worn by people of all ages, gender and ethnicity.
Suave and with sultry designs, Isi Agu, meaning tiger head, could be seen in styles like bras, foot wears like sliders, suits, drop downs and caps.
It is not uncommon to see people put on Isi Agu at different occasions.
Azuka Onwuka, a brand analyst, in his Facebook post said he had always encouraged designers to come up with creative ways of making the dress.
He said he encouraged manufacturers to make the fabric lighter to encourage more people embrace it.
“Some years ago I asked that the Isi-Agụ design of the Igbos be replicated on different clothing materials that are lighter, so that people can easily wear them wherever they are, since the original Isi-Agu cloth material is too thick to be worn in certain hot environments.
“Happily that has happened. The Isi-Agụ revolution is on.
“Interestingly some backward-thinking Igbos are complaining that boys and women are wearing the Isi-Agu materials, which to them is an abomination. But that is ridiculous.
“Please where is the law that only ọzọ-titled men can wear the Isi-Agụ? It does not exist.
“Our forefathers never wore Isi-Agu.
“The critical items in the dress code of the ọzọ-titled men were a red cap with the feather of the eagle and an anklet. Finish.
“The Europeans, Indians, Arabs are marketing their attire and making other people of the world to embrace their dressing styles, while some ancient-minded Igbos are working against the spread of the Igbo attire, believing they are defending Igbo custom”, Azuka said.
Please in addition to shirts, shoes etc, people should use the Isi-Agụ design to make pants, bikini, bra, handkerchief, singlet, baseball caps, car seat covers, handbags, head-tie, Spider man’s attire for kids, etc.
That is how to make something popular.
“If my wedding were to be today, I would not have worn the European suit to church but the Igbo Isi-Agu. If the Priest disagreed with my decision and refused to wed me, I would ask him to show me where it is written in the Bible that a Christian needs to wed in church or needs to wear a European suit while getting married.
“The Europeans and Arabs brought Christianity and Islam to Africa but also packaged their cultures and practices as the only “accepted” ways of God. We believed them.
“Our young men and women also need to start challenging the practice of wearing suit and white gown to church wedding”, Azuka said.