About Kyegh Sha Shwa
Nigeria's biggest Tiv cultural festival celebrating unity, heritage, and community
More Than a Festival
The Kyegh Sha Shwa Cultural Festival stems from the concept of "imiongo teman" – to come together, reason together, and grow together. Organized by committed Tiv sons and daughters, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Tiv people worldwide through unity, communality, reconciliation, harmony, hospitality, love, and celebration.
Born from a Vision of Unity
The Kyegh Sha Shwa Cultural Festival was conceived and launched in 2015 by Rev. Fr. Solomon Mfa Ukeyima of the Makurdi Catholic Diocese. What began as a local food-and-culture gathering in Daudu (Guma LGA, Benue State) has blossomed into Nigeria's premier Tiv cultural celebration.
Fr. Ukeyima chose the name Kyegh Sha Shwa – a famous Tiv soup meaning "chicken in sesame" – as the festival's emblem, symbolizing hospitality and the value of friendship in Tiv culture. The act of eating together from a common bowl represents our deepest values of communal bonding and reconciliation.
In 2018, the festival was formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria as the "Kyegh Sha Shwa Cultural Initiative," a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Tiv heritage.
From Local Gathering to Global Phenomenon
Over nine editions, the KSS Festival has earned soaring tourism potential and grown its reach from local to global with a unique mix of young and old, at home and in the diaspora.
Celebrating a decade of cultural preservation in 2025
3.5% of Nigeria's population, the 4th largest ethnic group
Millions of followers tune in from around the world
2025 Edition - 10th Anniversary
The 2025 edition is scheduled to hold on December 26 and 27, 2025 in Makurdi, making it the 10th edition of its convening.
As such, it is poised to surpass all previous editions in status, bringing together the entire Tiv nation for an unforgettable celebration of culture, unity, and excellence.
Join Us in Celebrating Tiv Heritage
Be part of the Kyegh Sha Shwa Cultural Festival and help us preserve and promote our rich cultural heritage for future generations.