Olympic sprint sensation Gabby Thomas embraced Yoruba culture by adopting the name ‘Gabbisola’ while flawlessly representing an ‘Aso Ebi’ bridesmaid at her friend’s traditional Nigerian wedding.
American sprint star Gabby Thomas radiated elegance as she fully immersed herself in Yoruba customs, taking on the name ‘Gabbisola’ during a close friend’s Nigerian wedding celebration.
The decorated triple Olympic gold medalist honored the occasion by serving as a bridesmaid, donning authentic Yoruba attire that showcased her deep respect for the culture.
Known locally in Nigeria as ‘Aso Ebi’ girls-bridesmaids who wear coordinated outfits-Thomas embraced this tradition wholeheartedly, showcasing the vibrant Yoruba fashion with grace and authenticity.
Understanding the Role of ‘Aso Ebi’ Girls in Nigerian Weddings
The term ‘Aso Ebi’ refers to a group of close-knit friends and relatives who wear matching fabrics to symbolize solidarity and celebrate the bride’s special day. This custom, rooted in Yoruba culture, translates to “family cloth” and serves as a colorful emblem of unity during wedding festivities.
By donning identical attire, the Aso Ebi group visually distinguishes themselves as key participants-often the bridal party or immediate family-setting them apart from other guests. Their responsibilities frequently include assisting with guest coordination, collecting contributions for the couple, and providing comfort items like fans to attendees.
Gabby Thomas’ Stunning Aso Ebi Ensemble at the Wedding
Gabby dazzled in a turquoise-green sequined lace outfit, featuring a flowing skirt paired with a long-sleeved top that boasted a plunging neckline. Her look was completed with a matching leaf-green gele, the traditional Yoruba headwrap, which elevated her appearance to that of a true Yoruba lady.
Accompanying her was fiancé Spencer McManes, who also embraced Yoruba tradition by wearing a green buba-a long-sleeved shirt-and sokoto, which are loose-fitting trousers typical of Yoruba men’s ceremonial dress.
Sharing glimpses of the celebration on Instagram, Gabby captioned her post with “Gabbisola,” a Yoruba-inspired name derived from “Sola,” which means “to create wealth.”
Highlighting Gabby Thomas’ Athletic Journey
Gabby Thomas exemplifies the blend of intellect and athleticism, having graduated from the esteemed Harvard University, where she forged meaningful friendships that led to this cultural experience.
Her rise to prominence began on the collegiate track, excelling in the 200m and 400m sprints. The pinnacle of her career so far was at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she secured three gold medals in the 200m, 4x400m relay, and mixed 4x400m relay events.
At 28 years old, Thomas boasts Jamaican and American heritage, though she has no formal ties to Nigeria beyond her recent cultural embrace.