Ali Baba, the king of Nigeria’s
comedy, turned up super elegantly attired in Urhobo (Niger Delta) traditional
garb at the 3rd Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) held in Lagos this
Sunday, March 7. Some overreaching red carpet “fashion police” suggested his
attire wasn’t glamorous. But the comedy merchant (re)educated his critics on Africa and
glamour, making sure to leave them in doubt as to whom the joke was on.
"Trust you had a great weekend. I did. And had been looking forward
to sharing something with you. So, I have also been looking for a clear picture
of me that was taken at the #AMVCA ... The closest I could come upon is this
courtesy of @NET... But it's not about the picture itself. It was about someone
who claims to be a Fashion Critic... who made a comment that I thought I should
harp on.
“She said, ‘Bros, didn't you get the invite? It said “black tie”’...
herself and a few of her fashion buffs had a laugh at my expense. So I let the
laugh settle down and I asked, did you read the part that said ‘black tie or
Glamorous?’
“I then saw one of them quickly bring her card invite holder out, read
the dress code portion and shoved it back in the case. The dumbest of the four,
who is also on television, said something like, but this is not glamorous.
“So I pointed at Kunle Afolayan, who was decked in AGBADA. And she was
sucked in to my trick. ‘Eheeeeen! That is glamorous.’ Her cronies agreed.
“So I dropped my joker. 'Really? So it's only the traditional attire
from the YORUBA or Hausa speaking part of Nigeria that is glamorous? Is that
what you were taught in school? Or is that the position of your media house? Or
is that all your knowledge about fashion availed you? Maybe you are
TRIBALISTIC. Maybe you think AFRICANS must look like a white man to be
glamorous! Maybe you have no values! By the way, I thought this was an AFRICAN
Magic Viewers' Choice Awards’ (notice the capital letters)?
“At this point, 2 of them started that line that signals they had gotten
the message... ‘Bros you are correct, but you know we were just teasing you.
HABA! Can't you take a joke?’
“My point was made and I walked off. The problem we have in this country
is not totally our government's failures. It is also the failure of many of us
to know what is important to us as AFRICANS and what we should value in our
culture. ATTIRE for journalist WEY no recognize glamorous ATTIRE.
“As for any journalist that thinks dressing in my traditional outfit
meant for special occasions is not glamorous, please check a dictionary and
revert! #broadcasters #fashionPolice #AfricanCulture #UrhoboAttire
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