Bura: Echoes of a dying race

Bura which population has been hypothetically put at over four million is one of the most widely spoken languages, next to Kanuri in Borno state. They dominate five Local Governments in the southern part of the state: Biu, Hawul, Shani, Kwaya-Kusar, and Bayo. They dominate Gombi Local Government Area in Adamawa state and could be […]

Bura which population has been hypothetically put at over four million is one of the most widely spoken languages, next to Kanuri in Borno state. They dominate five Local Governments in the southern part of the state: Biu, Hawul, Shani, Kwaya-Kusar, and Bayo. They dominate Gombi Local Government Area in Adamawa state and could be found in large numbers in, Yobe and Gombe states. Until recently, the Bura could boast of having the richest culture and tradition, and the language was spoken across these states. Unfortrunately, there seems to be a deliberate policy of assimilation of the Bura race by others, to the effect that today, while others are striving to revive their cultures, speak their languages and adorn their traditional attires, the Buras are further distancing themselves from the ways and manners of their ancestors.   

Before now, Bura people were seen to always be proud of their tribal identity. Until recently when ones tribal belonging and religion became strong factors in determining ones indigence and right to certain positions and even public utilities, Bura was a strong linguistic and cultural link amongst different groups in the North East sub region, including none speakers of the language who came into contact with it. At several national or international meets, Bura had always excelled, and was the foremost representative of the former North Eastern state and later Borno state; in terms of cultural display. The Waksha Waksha dance, remains one of the most enthralling dances, showcased by the Borno state cultural troop, which many other less fancied dances have tried to copy.  

Over the years, Bura cultural performances whenever it gets mentioned have remained the cynosure of attention even at the local levels. Apparently worried by the fast disappearing language, tradition and culture of the Bura, a meeting of Bura people worldwide was convened in Azare, the Headquarters of Hawul Local Government Area, where the future survival of Bura as a race was critically examined. Prior to that some elites in Marama had staged what could be described as a cultural revivalist event last December, at which the idea of a united Bura race was discussed. At the end of that event, which held on New Year eve, there were more questions than answers on many aspects of the Bura language, cultures and traditions.

The idea of the meeting in Azare was to correct the observable lapses in the relationships of Bura people and to encourage them in promoting their cultures, especially the language. Being the first time Bura people came together to discuss their common destiny, the response was very impressive as people trooped out to identify with the idea In Azare, it was agreed for example that it was an irony for an event that was intended to showcase Bura cultural values to be conducted in either Hausa or English, even if the disposition of all people in attendance were in that direction. It was even funny that while the music was in Bura, the accompanying songs were in Hausa. It was even more scandalous that the dancers were clothed in Hausa flowing gowns or English suits. Over the years, Bura music and the accompanying dances have undergone several modifications, thereby loosing its idiosyncrasy and original appeal. The language is a cannibalization of many other languages too.

Convener of the meeting and chairman of the steering committee of the Bura Union, General Alex Mshelbwala summed up the mood of the people when he said in his remarks that, there is the need for Bura people wherever they may be, to engage in meaningful activities that will tend to expose their potentials and develop their people and their areas. According to him, Bura people have played very historic roles in shaping Nigeria as a nation and should never be contented with playing the second fiddle. General Mshelbwala who advocated for the staging of Bura cultural day annually, also called for the writing of books on Bura culture, language and people as a means of encouraging Bura vocabulary.   

Perhaps, the biggest achievement of the meeting in Azare was the inauguration of the Board o Trustees of the Bura Union, with Captain Paul Thahal as its Chairman, while the Emir of Biu, and the District Head of Garkida as its grand patrons. Its impact was in the fact that for the first time, Bura people, at home and in the Diaspora were able o identify with each other as a people whose destinies are tied by common ancestry, socio-cultural, linguistic, and geographical placement,  irrespective of religious or political differences. Again, Bura is once more becoming one strong socio-linguistic identity, for a people who have for long suffered various forms of deprivations.

With the planned full congress of Bura people, expected to come very soon, the stage seems set to re-launch Bura into national mainstream as one of the tribes in Nigeria with fascinating and intriguing cultural traits. The enthusiasm demonstrated so far by those who were in Azare, and even those who could not make it for different reasons speak volumes of the fact that while Bura may have suffered setbacks as many minority tribes in Nigeria, it may as well become one tribe its people will once more be proud to speak.

Inuwa Bwala was in Azare for the Bura meeting