Belinda Effah’s choice of outfit and hairstyle for the 2015 AMVCAs was one of the several that got people talking, with a lot of criticisms/comments ensuing from her daring style.
To address her rationale for her looks at the AMVCA, the multiple award winning actress had an exclusive interview with Kemisola Filani and explained that her chosen style was a well thought out one to flaunt her national pride while upholding her cultural roots as stated below:
“It was a well thought out plan. I am an African root, a proud Calabar girl who loves her culture, so i decided to flaunt and promote my pride. I grew up with my hair. When I was a little girl, my mother will thread my hair and when she finishes, she will nod her hair in satisfaction and say to me, you look beautiful. Ladies of today however focus more on Brazilian hair and it shouldn’t be all about Brazilian, human hair or what have you, let’s go back to our roots. There was a time these hairs didn’t exist except our natural hair and we were surviving so it shouldn’t always be all about these weavons and all. We need to start importing and selling our own culture out there.”
To address the criticisms and backlash, the Calabar-born actress said:
“The comments didn’t move me, I am strong black African woman, it only opened my eyes to reality. A lot of people are living in denial, alot of Nigerians are so used to the western world and their lifestyle that they have forgotten their own cultural values. I have worn the western gowns and dresses to events too, i have them and they have gotten good reviews on red carpets but i want to start importing the African culture too and I am not going to stop. Let the westerners begin to appreciate our culture too.”
What do you think of Belindah’s stance and view points? Please, leave a comment!
