The Kuteb People: Echoes of strength, culture and identity, by Salim Sani
The Kuteb people of Taraba State are among Nigeria’s many communities whose story still beats like a hidden drum. They are a people of mountains, rivers and valleys, living with a strong memory of their roots, keeping alive their culture through song, festival and work.
Their Origin
Kuteb oral history says they journeyed from the east, settling finally on the rolling lands of today’s Takum, Ussa, and some parts of Kurmi in Taraba State. They are believed to have migrated centuries ago from the region around Egypt or Sudan, travelling with other ethnic groups until they broke away to find their own home.
The Kuteb see themselves as descendants of ancient warriors and farmers. Takum is the heart of their kingdom, and the Kuteb have always looked up to the “Kwe Kukwen” as the custodian of their heritage. For generations, this throne has stood as the soul of Kuteb identity, uniting scattered clans into one people.
Culture and Tradition
Kuteb culture is vibrant, layered and rich. Their language, also called Kuteb, is part of the Jukunoid family, spoken with pride in homes and gatherings. Respect for elders is a vital norm in their tradition, while kinship ties run deep across villages.
The people are known for their elaborate marriage customs. Before a union, long processes of negotiation, dowry and family consent must take place, not just between man and woman, but between extended families. This way, marriage is less a private affair and more a weaving of community bonds.
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The Kuteb also hold deeply spiritual beliefs. They worshipped ancestors and nature deities long before the coming of Islam and Christianity, which today exist side by side with their older practices. Sacred shrines and rituals remain, often tied to fertility, protection, and the well-being of the land.
Socio-Economy
The Kuteb are hardworking farmers, and agriculture remains their backbone. Maize, millet, guinea corn, yams and cassava grow richly in their soil, while goats, sheep and cattle move across their grasslands. Farming is mostly subsistence, but surpluses often find their way into local markets, creating lifelines for trade.
Hunting and fishing also complement their economy, especially during certain seasons when the rivers swell and the forests yield game. In more recent years, some Kuteb have moved into contemporary sectors like civil service, business and education, carrying their identity into wider Nigerian society.
Challenges
The community has also faced challenges. Land disputes and political marginalisation have affected them in the modern era, often leaving scars of neglect.
Despite this, the Kuteb spirit of resilience shows in their constant push for recognition, fairness and survival.
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Ceremonies and Festivals
No part of Kuteb life shines brighter than their festivals. Chief among them is the Ushakaa Festival, one of the most colourful cultural displays in Taraba State. Ushakaa is a harvest celebration, marking the end of the farming season and offering thanks for the year’s bounty. Drums, dances, and masquerades fill the villages, while families gather to feast and renew ties.
Another festival, Kukywi, is celebrated with songs, rituals and age-old performances that bind young and old. These festivals are more than entertainment, they are living schools where the younger generation learns their people’s history, values and rhythm.
Through these ceremonies, the Kuteb reconnect with their ancestors, renew their sense of belonging, and pass down cultural knowledge that books may never fully capture.
The Kuteb people may not be as widely known as some of Nigeria’s larger ethnic groups, but their story is as profound as any.
Rooted in migration, sustained by tradition, and kept alive through farming and festivals, the Kuteb continue to write their history with every drumbeat in Taraba’s hills.
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Nice one, you wrote about the Kuteb people, on the birthday of a Kuteb lady (Me), thank you for this gift.
I really enjoyed writing and learning about the Kuteb people! You’re most welcome Ma’am. Belated happy birthday to you.