Understanding The Northern African Sport called Dembe

Dambe is a form of boxing that originates with the Hausa people of West Africa.

A famous tradition practiced by Hausa butchers during harvest time, in which they fight with one arm (wrapped one) and defend themselves with the other.

A winner emerges when one of the fighter’s hand, knee or body touches the ground.

This sport was also traditionally practiced as a way for men to get prepared for war, and many of the techniques and terminology similar to warfare.

In this game, the Competitors crouch down in a strong ready stance, extending their free, unwrapped hand out as far as their opponent will permit. The purpose of this gesture is to test your reach and to also tempt your opponent to make a move and in so doing, leave himself open.

The boxers are known to stare at each other while maintaining this stance for a while before striking.

Presently, the men who dedicate their lives to it are mostly wanderers, itinerant labourers in search of fame, or the sons of boxers born into the fate of the ring.
The sports is exceedingly dangerous. Serious injury, and even death, are a real risk.

In as much as there is some sort of monetary reward for champions, most fighters engage in this dangerous sport for the perceived dignity or pride it accrues them.

This is Tetanus di na bacigawa (Stage name), 25, from Kafanchan in Kaduna state, you can see as he wraps a piece of cloth on his striking fist in preparation for the boxing match.