5 times Beyoncé has been influenced by Nigerian culture

    Last week Beyoncé lit up the Internet (again) by sharing pictures of her African-themed "Carter push party" to celebrate her pregnancy.
Pictures posted on social media showed Queen Bey decked out in African attire with her husband, Jay Z. 

In a video posted by the star's mother, Tina Lawson, Fela Kuti's music can be heard playing in the background as friends shout "Happy Carter push party."

Fans were quick to notice Beyoncé's nod to African culture, but it's not the first time the superstar has paid homage to the continent -- in particular Nigeria.
From her videos and stage performances to her clothes and use of words, here are five times Beyoncé has referenced Nigerian culture.

The 2017 Grammy Awards

For her first appearance since her pregnancy announcement, the singer wore a striking gold ensemble paying homage to Oshun, an important deity in the Yoruba religion.



Beyonce performs during The 59th Annual Grammy Awards
In his book "Afro-Caribbean Religions," Nathaniel Samuel Murrell describes Oshun as "the giver of life and mother of deities who guards women during pregnancy."
Oshun, who adorns herself in gold ornaments, is the goddess of fertility, motherhood, love and beauty. 

The poem explicitly references Yoruba goddesses Oshun and Yemoja (also called Yemaya), a deity of oceans and motherhood. Both deities are known for their connection with water.
The photos that accompany the poem show the superstar underwater wearing light marigold yellow fabric, a color associated with Oshun.