The “Dandawa tribe” in Nigeria is an alternate name for the Dendi ethnic group. They are a minority group in Nigeria, and most information about them is linked to their larger presence in neighboring West African countries.

Here are the key things to know about the Dendi/Dandawa people in Nigeria:

1. Identity and Origin

• Alternate Name: They are often referred to by the Hausa name Dandawa or simply as Dendi.
• Relationship to Songhai: The Dendi are a branch of the wider Songhai people and were historically part of the Songhai Empire as the Dendi province (Dendiganda).
• Meaning of the Name: The term “Dendi” comes from the Songhay language and translates to “down the river” (referring to the Niger River).

2. Location and Population in Nigeria

• Geographic Area: They are primarily located in the plains of the Niger River in West Africa (Benin, Niger, and northern Togo).
• Presence in Nigeria: In Nigeria, they are a small population, mostly found in the bordering states that share a boundary with Niger, particularly in:
  • Kebbi State (such as Arewa Dandi Local Government Area)
  • Kwara State
  • Niger State
  • Sokoto State
• Population Size: The Dendi population in Nigeria is relatively small, with estimates around 4,000 to 4,500 people.

3. Language and Religion

• Language: They speak the Dendi language, which is a Songhay language.
• Religion: The Dendi are almost entirely Muslim. However, their religious practices are often described as Folk Islam, a syncretistic belief system that blends traditional Islamic tenets with older indigenous cultural practices.

4. Culture and Economy

• Economy: Their economy is historically diverse, involving trading (including a role in the caravan trade) and agro-pastoral practices.
  • They are subsistence farmers, growing crops like maize, millet, and plantains.
  • They also engage in livestock rearing, keeping cows, goats, sheep, and chickens.
• Social Structure:
  • Their society is patrilineal, meaning descent and inheritance are traced through the father’s line.
  • Their society is organized into different social groups, including a noble caste.
• Traditional Practices: Despite the dominance of Islam, certain ancestral cultural elements remain, including:
  • Beliefs in spirit possession and magic.
  • The presence of magician-healers and practices of ancestor worship and witchcraft in many villages.
  • They are known to celebrate traditional ceremonies like the genji bi hori (a festival for “black spirits”) and yenaandi (a rain dance).