Brass is an island town on the Atlantic coast of Bayelsa State, near the mouth of the Brass River, one of the outlets of the Niger. Twon-Brass is its main settlement, closely linked to the Nembe kingdom.
In the nineteenth century Brass was an important palm oil trading port. In 1895 Brass warriors attacked the Royal Niger Company depot at Akassa in protest at the company's control of trade, one of the best-known episodes of resistance in the Delta. Today Brass is also the site of an oil export terminal.
Top things to do in Brass
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Travel by boat through the Delta
Brass is reached by boat from Yenagoa or Port Harcourt, a long trip through wide rivers, creeks and mangrove forest that is part of the experience. Travel in daylight with a licensed operator and wear a life jacket.
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Learn about Brass history
Community elders and local guides can share the history of the Brass and Nembe trading states, the palm oil era and the events at Akassa.
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Walk the Atlantic beaches
The island faces long, quiet Atlantic beaches. Currents can be strong, so ask locally before swimming.
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Eat fresh seafood
Fishing is a way of life in Brass. Try fresh fish, crabs, prawns and periwinkles in pepper soup or native soup, or simply grilled.
Festivals and culture
Riverine communities around Brass and Nembe hold regattas with decorated canoes and masquerades, especially at festive times. Christmas and New Year bring families home from the cities.
Food to try
Try fisherman soup, pepper soup, native soup with periwinkles, kekefiyai (plantain pottage) and grilled fish with plantain.
Best time to visit
November to March is the driest period and the calmest for sea and river travel. The rainy season brings rough water and heavy downpours.
Getting around
Boats are the only practical way to reach Brass, from jetties in Yenagoa or Port Harcourt. On the island, people walk or use motorcycle taxis.
Questions about Brass
How do you get to Brass?
By boat, usually from Yenagoa or Port Harcourt. The journey takes several hours through rivers and creeks.
What is Brass known for?
Brass is known for its history as a palm oil trading port, the 1895 Akassa raid, its Atlantic beaches and its oil export terminal.
How do I find events in Bayelsa State?
Browse upcoming festivals, concerts, parties and free events in Bayelsa State on Shows.ng, and filter by today, this weekend or this month.
