The Media Blog: Toke Makinwa had a very uncomfortable moment on ‘Moments’ talking about bleaching

One of our favourite people on television, Sika Osei (host of Studio 53 Xtra) was the guest on the Nigerian version of Moments, on EbonyLife TV yesterday.

The topic was Cheating, and it was remarkable viewing to be honest – as Osei admitted to cheating on her boyfriend in the past (albeit, while on a freakishly long 2-month break) and Bolanle Olukanni kind of admitting to same by saying his lips ‘grazed over her face’ (shudder).

They possibly will repeat the broadcast today – and you should see it.

But you should pay particular attention to an uncomfortable 4-minute stretch when Olukanni questioned – and kept digging deep – about Osei’s velvety black (and oh-we-love-it-to-death) complexion, and how she has been comfortable in her skin, and how she loves herself and all of that.

The context was clear: in a country where complexion politics is lethal, many women investing naira and dollars to run away from the dark into the light, how can any woman be so glowing (physically and in her career) in her natural Ghanaian-gifted skin?

All of this time however, Toke Makinwa (and we like ourselves plenty Toke: bold, fearless female she) was ominously silent, her eyes clearly – visibly – narrowing, in a way that didn’t necessary show discomfort with the conversation more than disdain (like why-is-this-even-an-issue? disdain).

Makinwa of course has constantly been in the thick of the storm for about three years since she burst into the public consciousness, for accusations of toning or skin lightening or whatever. Dang, she even delightfully dares to front as brand ambassador for what is clearly a ‘bleaching cream’.

And once Olukanni and Osei were doing cooing and awing in mutual admiration (Olukanni is beautifully brown), Makinwa didn’t even indulge all that ‘foolishness’ – she just moved right on to the next question: How did you get the 53 Xtra job?

Like she didn’t even refer to the question. Didn’t talk about it. Didn’t follow up. And this after completely NOT GETTING INVOLVED in the conversation on a set in which she was co-presenter.

Pretty remarkable. Pretty remarkable TV.

You should totally catch the show today on DSTV Channel 165 if you can.

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