Dambe is a traditional form of boxing practiced by the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria since ancient times. In this sport, fighters wrap one hand in cloth and tie it with rope, while the other hand remains free for defense. Kicks are also permitted. The goal is to make the opponent touch the ground with any part of their body other than the feet – this counts as a knockdown.
Dambe is historically connected with the butcher class known as “Yan dambe”. It is also popular in Chad, Niger, and other parts of the Sahel. The combat sport was performed during harvest festivals, as routine entertainment, and as a celebration of strength and masculinity. Some dambe fighters became local legends and honored as community champions.
Dambe has moved from rural festivals to urban centers, where matches are staged in open arenas, weekly in Abuja and many cities. New organizations are promoting dambe more professionally, with rules, weight classes, and prize money.
Last Saturday at the MKO Abiola International Stadium velodrome, warriors assembled at the arena for the World Dambe Series – African Warriors. According to AFP, the fighters were competing to represent Nigeria in what is envisioned as a multi-stage, international series. Boxers took to a sand-filled ring under stadium lights, with matches interspersed with musical acts and commercial breaks. An attestation to dambe’s growing legend worldwide.
Critics of the sport continually argue for a reform due to safety concerns, as dambe lacks protective gear (gloves, groin protectors and mouth guards).
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