Nigeria, May 19 -- As a child raised in ancient Bida town before moving to Minna to complete my primary school, I remember one of the most defining cultural traditions of the Nupe people known as gale

Gale was a traditional music and dance that became the centerpiece of weddings. It started as something organized by the bride's friends on the eve of her pre-wedding events, and by the groom on the last night of the ceremony. It was the part of the wedding that stole the show.

Young men, women and even adults save money for months to spend lavishly during gale. The display became a competition of wealth and status, a way to make an impression, gain attention, or woo a partner. It often lasted from night till dawn, with non-stop music, da...