In short
Nigerians spray money to share in the joy of a celebration and to honour the people at its centre: the couple, the birthday celebrant, the new parents. It began as a way for family and friends to help a newly married couple with the costs of starting a life together, and grew into a public, joyful display of generosity, appreciation and status at weddings, birthdays and owambes across Nigeria.
What money spraying is
When the celebrants take the dance floor, guests step forward and shower them with money, a note at a time: in the air, over their heads or pressed onto their foreheads. Family members or helpers gather the money afterwards, and it goes to the celebrants, often towards a gift or the cost of the party. You'll also hear it called “making it rain”.
Where the tradition comes from
Historian Professor Tijjani Naniya, speaking to the BBC in 2024, traces spraying to the 1940s. At first guests didn't spray at all: the groom sat while people came up and put money in his pocket, to help him with the expenses of a new life. Later it evolved into spraying the couple as they danced, and sprayers began to compete to be the most generous in the room.
Spraying is most closely associated with Yoruba owambe parties, but today it's part of celebrations right across Nigeria, from Lagos to Kano.
What spraying means
- Joy: spraying is how a room shows it's celebrating with you.
- Appreciation and love: as one wedding guest told the BBC, not spraying “will look as if you don't appreciate and love those celebrating”.
- Support: the money is a real gift to the celebrants, often going towards a present or the cost of the party.
- Status and friendly competition: spraying is public, and generous sprayers are noticed.
Where Nigerians spray money
- Weddings: the couple's entrance, first dance and family dances
- Birthdays, especially milestone birthdays
- Naming ceremonies and other family celebrations
- Owambes, club nights, concerts and live music
Going to a wedding? Read how to spray money at a Nigerian wedding.
How the tradition is changing
Spraying naira notes is an offence under Section 21 of the CBN Act 2007, and since 2024 the law has been enforced: the EFCC said in 2024 that 24 people had been convicted of naira abuse and about 200 faced prosecution. See whether spraying money is illegal.
The Central Bank's own advice is to give cash gifts in envelopes or through electronic channels. Digital spraying does exactly that while keeping the moment: guests spray from their phones, the notes fall on screen, a live leaderboard shows the top sprayers, and the celebrant receives every naira instantly. See how digital money spraying works.
Frequently asked questions
What does “spraying money” mean?
Showering celebrants with money while they dance, a note at a time, as a sign of joy, appreciation and support. It's a tradition at Nigerian weddings, birthdays and parties.
Why do people spray money at Nigerian weddings?
To celebrate with the couple, to show love and appreciation, and to help them start married life. The money sprayed goes to the couple.
Who keeps the money sprayed at a party?
The celebrants. With cash, family members or helpers gather it for them; with digital spraying it goes straight into the celebrant's wallet.
Is money spraying a Yoruba tradition?
It's most closely associated with Yoruba owambe parties, but it's practised at celebrations across Nigeria.
Sources
Spray at your next party, the modern way
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