I don’t know how it came to be, but spraying money is a big part of Nigeria’s owambe culture. 

Owambe
Party
Source: Zikoko memes

Unfortunately, this culture hurts your account balance. How can you enjoy parties and still avoid spraying money?

Stay at home

Source: Zikoko memes

You won’t have to spray anyone if you’re not at the party. Whip out your phone and stream the party live— problem solved.

Sit down and just vibe to the music

Source: Zikoko memes

Even if you decide to go to the party, don’t stand up to dance.  Just move from side to side on your seat. 

Find fellow non-sprayers

Source: Zikoko memes

Find like-minded people who are just there to eat and have fun.

Always carry something in both hands

Source: Zikoko memes

When your hands are busy, you can’t spray money.

Wear the aso-ebi

Source: Zikoko memes

This is the best way to blend in with the crowd. They won’t notice you’re not spraying if you’ve already spent money on their ₦50k lace.

Pretend to be the official photographer

Carry a camera around and take on the role of the official wedding photographer. People will assume you’re too busy capturing moments to participate in the spraying ritual.

Source: Zikoko memes

Adopt a “no cash” policy

Source: Zikoko memes

Claim that you’ve gone cashless for the day and proudly show off your empty wallet. Insist that you’re fully committed to the digital payment evolution and cannot participate in the spraying tradition.

Blend into the background

Party
Owambe
Source: Zikoko memes

If you can’t blend in with the “haves” in your aso-ebi, find a cozy spot near a wall, somewhere secluded, or even under the tablecloth. Once the spraying starts, fade into the background and become one with the furniture.

Hire a personal bodyguard

Bouncer
Owambe
Party
Source: Zikoko memes

Find big gym bros to shield you from any attempts to make you spray. It might cost you, but whatever the cost, we’re sure it’ll be lower than senselessly spraying mint cash all day.

OUR MISSION

Zikoko amplifies African youth culture by curating and creating smart and joyful content for young Africans and the world.