Nzem Berom is a rich cultural festival that has become one of the most cherished moments of my adulthood. Growing up, I observed how eagerly the older folks looked forward to the day Nzem would be celebrated.
In fact, because of Nzem Berom, I missed an entrance examination for either BSS Gindiri or BUTECH, as the excitement distracted my mother. As a result, I ended up in Government College Zawan. But I digress; let’s get back to the Nzem Berom Festival.
Unfortunately, when I reached adulthood, the festival was suspended for some time. Thankfully, it wasn’t long before the suspension was lifted, and we returned to the festival ground with enthusiasm and glamour, eagerly awaiting the great Mok conductor custodian of the Berom culture His Majesty, The Gbong Gwom Joe. We enjoyed the Mandyeng, Ju, and Vwana dances, which characterized the rhythm and sounds of the moment.
We indulged in various local cuisines like Tuk Chun, Hworong Dyara, NamaDyara, Bwirik, Gatai, Bekit, BeJeh and lots more. We took photos with old friends and made new acquaintances; the girls were dressed to impress, and the guys were on their best behaviour, hoping to impress.
t’s always the perfect time to shoot your shot, and if lucky, the hunter returns home with a special gift to celebrate.
During the event, I always admired how smoothly it unfolded, with veteran hosts like the late Da Musa Botfang (a legendary MC) and Bulus Bot managing the proceedings effortlessly. Little did I know that I would one day find myself in their shoes.
Journey to Becoming the MC of Nzem Berom……
Anchoring Nzem Berom was never something I considered, as I viewed the stage as too grand for me to occupy. However, my big brother, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos, encouraged me to become the anchor for the Berom Christmas Carols, a programme he sponsors every year.
My mentor and another big brother, Mr. Yakubu Taddy while shopping for MCs for Nzem Berom 2022, told me, “Blunt, you can do it. I have seen you in action, and you excelled.”
Since then, four years have passed filled with incredible moments on stage. I have even performed outside Plateau State before kings and queens, moving from one stage to another, each experience more enjoyable than the last.
I am grateful to the Berom nation and Plateau for believing that “Ki Datok” can deliver. I cannot forget to mention how relaxed I feel working alongside my friend, Hon. Silas Patrick Dung, the Jos South Local Government Chairman, and veteran journalist Nene Dung, who has been in this field for a long time.
Thank you all for making this journey comfortable for me; I promise to give back through deliberate mentorship.
Once again, I am sure next year will bring an even more glamorous experience. Let’s do it again!
I wish all my Plateau people a happy and trouble-free farming season.
