“I just like to look natural – to me I’m the most beautiful, I like myself, I like my skin.”
So says Teni, one of the most celebrated afrobeats artists right now.
She has proved that it’s possible to have massive success and adoring fans without fitting the stereotype of the female star.
As she told me this week, she’s had to fight pressure from the industry to change herself.
She’s very conscious of being a role model to many boys and girls who might be grappling with their own images and with self-acceptance.
But there are practical considerations too:
“Putting on make-up is stressful! Especially wearing make-up in Nigeria, ha, it’s hot! You’re going to be sweating.
“I remember one time I went to Disney with my friend in Orlando in the summertime and it was hot and my friend’s face looked like mud! I had to give her tonnes of tissue paper that ended up becoming brown!”
The full interview with Teni will be available after This Is Africa is broadcast on Saturday on the BBC World Service and partner stations.
Source: BBC
