This week, popular Ethiopian-Canadian musician, The Weeknd filed a lawsuit against Eymun Talasazan, a realtor who has been trying to trademark the "Starboy" name.
The Weeknd is reportedly fighting for the trademark to "Starboy" https://t.co/9yzadKWxMi pic.twitter.com/SkjVGXHahQ
— billboard (@billboard) April 2, 2018
Since the singer released his Starboy album in 2016, it has become a global hit earning him a Grammy award and a comic book deal with Marvel.
However, for Nigerians and indeed Africans by extension, there's only one Starboy and he isn't The Weeknd. And they got really defensive when they saw this:
American Singer, The Weekend Ready To Sue Wizkid And Other Artistes That Trademark “Starboy” https://t.co/xTFa0rXVJJ pic.twitter.com/6x3mlcnhvh
— Noble Igwe (@Nobsdaslushhkid) April 3, 2018
Reactions:
Wizkid has been using the name "StarBoy" since the days of EME so i don't think The Weeknd will win the case if he fully decides to sue wiz, he has every evidence to show that he has been bearing the name for a very long time even before The Weeknd.
— OTUNBA (@ManLikeIcey) April 5, 2018
Fuck the Weeknd anyways , Wizkids been calling himself starboy for as long as I can remember , chubby bollox 🤣🤣
— T-Wire (@_ta007) April 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/don_jidz/status/981792031461789696?s=19
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Wizkid: Yargha, your honor, I'm the original Starboy, don dada.
Judge: do you have any proof to back these claims.
Wizkid: I'd like to call on a few witnesses, ni ojuelegba they know my story.
Judge: please call them forward.*All 200 million Nigerians walk in*
the weeknd: pic.twitter.com/gdsIMFoJOs
— tomi (@tomiiide) April 4, 2018
Wizkid is the first star boy
— OEI (@Erabose) April 6, 2018
The only Starboy we acknowledge is Wizkid so ... https://t.co/qm4ki4IjGQ
— Young Prince 🇳🇬 (@YoungPrince_) April 3, 2018
Wizkid was starboy before The Weeknd. Don’t @ me oooohhh
— ♡ (@sosasluv) April 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/xalexandria_/status/981042999047196672?s=19
Only starboy we acknowledge is Wizkid..........................
— With Another One 🇳🇬 (@Muyisco_) April 3, 2018
The only weekend I know is Friday and Saturday, and the only STARBOY we know is WIZKID pic.twitter.com/FdTXkx6uLR
— David_Wiz🇳🇬 (@_militant_1) April 4, 2018
Let's settle this!
https://twitter.com/viewsfromdbod/status/981087007244980225?s=19
Other reactions
The main problem all African countries we don't always love our things except What comes from foreigners, now it comes to who is the real "Star boy" and everybody is saying Weekend, F*ck Weekend... Wizkid is the one and only starboy.. 💅
— OFENTSE ® (@potter_opinions) April 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/dino_akin/status/981864759178997761?s=19
Who?
The Weeknd is not the real Starboy. Its Mavado ok
— Fäshøda (@FashodaFresh) April 6, 2018
Well, the people have spoken. Read on for other trending topics on social media this week.
John Boyega in Nigeria, again.
This week, Nigerian son of the soil and popular Hollywood actor John Boyega arrived Nigeria bearing good news for the Nigerian movie industry.
In an interview with CNBC, he revealed plans to "merge Nollywood with Hollywood" by investing in capturing Nigerian stories in a professional way.
https://twitter.com/GbolahanTweets/status/981559089275785217
His visit to Nigeria has been very eventful.
🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬 lovely to meet these young Nigerian dancers! They are so talented ! #dreamchasersda pic.twitter.com/TxlFUcqRZu
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) April 5, 2018
This weekend had too many highlights but my personal fave has to be teaching @JohnBoyega how to Shaku Shaku 😄😄😄 pic.twitter.com/0a8nRZpQFJ
— ZAHEER! (@iam_YCee) April 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/ItsBollyLomo/status/980980016631644162
Mr Steve Ayorinde, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, John Boyega, Mr Fola Adeyemi, Permanent Secretary when the Nigerian born British-Hollywood actor visits the Ministry on Wednesday pic.twitter.com/1I0OTEZ0De
— The Lagos State Govt (@followlasg) April 5, 2018
Look who we had on Power Lunch West Africa today.....John Boyega@cnbcafrica @JohnBoyega pic.twitter.com/ENNcRLGyAX
— Onyi sunday (@OnyiSunday) April 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/abikedabiri/status/981997584943337472
So @JohnBoyega came through pic.twitter.com/frXva1jhXm
— Osi (@Osi_Suave) April 3, 2018
@Monalisacode @theRealDakore and @JohnBoyega at the launch of #NEDI pic.twitter.com/UTtauzhloC
— Penzaarville Africa (@Penzaarville) April 5, 2018
Here are few reactions to his visit on social media.
Skepta and John Boyega are showing us the best way to enjoy Nigeria, with funds and abroad clout.
— Jack Saishi (@StigEzeh) April 5, 2018
Awww I love how these kids all 'dobale'd' uniquely 😭😭😭#Culture
— tobí rachel (@TobiRachel_) April 5, 2018
Warms my heart to see how much fun John Boyega is having in Nigeria.
— OG Waheedi. (@gboukzi) April 5, 2018
I like @johnboyega and other successful Nigerians in the entertainment industry in the diaspora who try to relate and reach out to their homeland #Nigeria . #ProudlyNigerian
— T R A P P E R (@DaReal_Pro) April 5, 2018
@JohnBoyega has this Nigerian natural savagery! His response to issues classic, enjoy Nigeria sad I didn’t get to see you in DC
— Grace Alex (@GraceChiAlex) April 5, 2018
One day John Boyega and I will synchronise diaries and actually be in Nigeria at the same time 😭😭😭. He has met one of my friends now so i think i can say he is a friend of a friend. pic.twitter.com/CtfX0xi0VB
— Ibadan Goddess (@pintofwine) April 5, 2018
Remember the Toke Makinwa story?
If you don't, read the full gist here. In summary, popular Nigerian OAP Toke Makinwa accused John Boyega's bodyguard of assaulting her during the Hollywood actor's last visit to Nigeria.
Here's how John reacted to the story:
https://twitter.com/officialdaddymo/status/981531904020160514
And Nigerians reacted to John Boyega's reaction like...
So they asked John Boyega about the Toke Makinwa issue and he said ‘wait, who is she?’
— Chief. (@BadmanSophss) April 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/ife_luv12/status/981584744063406086
https://twitter.com/stevnrrogers/status/980472061612224513
The world is in different patches, stay on your lane.
John Boyega is a Hollywood actor, Toke Makinwa is a......she is sha a celebrity in Nigeria.They are successful people.
— Toni (@tola_ao) April 4, 2018
Toke Makinwa fans are pressed that John Boyega said he doesn't know her, talmabout she's popular in Nigeria and he is not, aspa Star Wars and Pacific rim star?? 🤣🤣🤣 please don't go and have heart attack.
— Tos Mama (@Theothertosin) April 5, 2018
Don’t be surprised too that most Nigeria doesn't know who John Boyega is....
And if a popularity contest/poll is conducted in Lagos, Toke will win that easily. https://t.co/AFOf0UTDbE— Alli-Balogun H.Lekan (@allibaloo) April 4, 2018
Meanwhile...
Earlier in the week, John Boyega reportedly met with Marvel Studios to discuss a potential superhero role.
John Boyega has reportedly met with Marvel Studios about potentially playing a superhero in the MCU pic.twitter.com/WoNa3cXjLP
— Marvel Facts (@MarveIFacts) April 1, 2018
His fans didn't know how to act.
https://twitter.com/laufeyhela/status/980462737577971712
https://twitter.com/cutcreaser/status/980490033022062592
https://twitter.com/stevnrrogers/status/980472061612224513
https://twitter.com/TMWOMarvel/status/980766321989312514
https://twitter.com/tomftmarvel/status/980522231858999296
https://twitter.com/buckyxdameron/status/980498740355174400
Read more reactions here.
Chief Skepta
Like John Boyega, Joseph Adenuga Jnr, popular known as Skepta, a popular British-Nigerian grime rapper also came to Nigeria this week, but for a different reason.
Skepta was conferred a chieftaincy title, Amuludun of Odo-Aje, his hometown in Ogun state.
Some international publications took to social media to congratulate the new chief.
Congrats to @Skepta On receiving his Chieftaincy title today Joseph Olaitan Adenuga - Chief Amuludun Of Odo Aje 👏🏾🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/2gUFnZkLaP
— Link Up TV (@linkuptv) April 4, 2018
Congratulations to Joseph “Skepta” Adenuga Jr. on his new Chieftaincy title. pic.twitter.com/oSAfqfeAaM
— SpotlightFirst (@SpotlightFirst_) April 4, 2018
.@Skepta is now a chief in his family's hometown in Nigeria https://t.co/oNDaZhrklo
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) April 5, 2018
Congratulations to @Skepta, who has been made chief of his parent’s town in Nigeriahttps://t.co/lfIX1mzeC9 pic.twitter.com/ovkn39rRI4
— The FADER (@thefader) April 5, 2018
Nigerians reacted
Chieftaincy title for Skepta? Seriously?
Nigeria is a strange placd. Can someone tell me why Skepta is getting a chieftaincy title?
— Ovie (@OvieO) April 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/BeeBabs/status/981555317992439808
skepta that discovered Nigeria two years ago is already collecting chieftaincy title. o ma ga o
— jas (@almondzx) April 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/Nigerianscamsss/status/981555163768000512
https://twitter.com/LailaIjeoma/status/981548434674147328
Nice!
I thought Naomi was catching the fullest trips, but Skepta is outchea collecting chieftaincy title. pic.twitter.com/jGfCiQKfPW
— salt. light. (@maxImeaner) April 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/Christiana1987/status/981659545272336384
skepta has built several schools and playgrounds for his community. he’s done more than the government has in a long while. put some respect on his name https://t.co/WGwDC3DoZn
— ☆ SOMADINA ☆ (@Somadina) April 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/OfficialBmax/status/981656969449803777
For laughs
https://twitter.com/BeeBabs/status/981654077015805952
@Skepta to @JohnBoyega: Went to the restaurant, there's Jollof but no plantain@JohnBoyega: pic.twitter.com/oD9XWB6HGr
— MTV Base West (@MTVBaseWest) April 5, 2018
Congratulations to the new Amuludun of Odo-Aje.
Deola Sagoe's controversial ad
This week, Deola Sagoe, popular Nigerian designer unveiled her Komole Kandids collection for brides.
KOMOLE: NIGERIA’S REGAL GIFT TO THE WORLD
‘Teintes de Bijoux’ is the latest expression of the Komole range; a selection of designs for bridal and occasion wear. They draw upon the mood and myths evoked through the ages by royalty, African royalty.#deolasagoe #komole #fashion pic.twitter.com/YHlMJAraMA— DEOLA SAGOE (@houseofdeola) April 4, 2018
This is a little embarrassing. Why are nigerians like this lmao
Deola Sagoe Komole Iro and Buba Teintes DeBijoux 2018 https://t.co/vIX3bR7msp via @YouTube
— gm (@maiiyonnaiise) April 4, 2018
Here's how Nigerians reacted
Love it!
I just watched Deola Sagoe’s ad and I absolutely love it!
The Victorian themed house setting with the soft and rich Yoruba music in the background makes her brand’s next step clear: world takeover.
Go go, Queen.😍— Yemi (@Babygiwa) April 5, 2018
You guys have a problem with deola Sagoe’s ad for the komole outfit? Lol ah . I loved it!
— Nas (@pam_E_chic) April 5, 2018
"Gracing EVERY WOMAN around the WORLD" was the theme of the Deola Sagoe ad. I don't see how you can have a problem with this!
It was a brilliant AD abeg.
— Kene (@udezekene) April 5, 2018
Deola Sagoe’s new AD is dope. Obviously, she’s trying to diversify. So having White, caucasian, hispanic, asian and African women in her AD is relative. You people are always angry over everything.😒😒 pic.twitter.com/YZYgaWAaBC
— Chuma (@Chumarh) April 5, 2018
Epic fail!
https://twitter.com/maki_ogunbor/status/981547028600836109
I get what (marketing angle) Deola Sagoe may be pushing with her ad. But using primarily white women wearing the 'Komole' design to promote it is kinda sour.
Western designers for a long time never used black models to make their designs appeal to us.
We wore them anyway. So💁🏾— Tifé!💡 (@Ifetoluwaa) April 4, 2018
I understand that she's appealing to a global clientele but that Deola Sagoe ad was NOT well done AT ALL.
The clothes don't suit the models, the colours are too washed out, the setting (opulent, grand, aristocratic, we get it, we get it) distracted from the rich fabrics... nah.— interdimensional kaiju invasion (@LoleLewis) April 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/bensonedo_/status/981577446871961600
You're not her target market, get over it.
Deola Sagoe kuku can't be moved by all this outrage. You people are not her target market. Her target market is not you.
Her sales won't drop one bit.
Have you eaten today?— The Ankara Dentist aka Mrs Lash aka Dr Williams (@rolayomide) April 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/nugwatweets/status/981528904744755200
https://twitter.com/FunmiJean/status/981560669920210952
I don’t see the problem with Deola Sagoe’s ad.
1. She said Africa to the world, meaning not necessarily for Nigerians because Nigerians can get it cheaper. It’s for people that buy African broom $500 as art. The scenery is even foreign.
2. It is based on consumer insight.— Blessing Abeng (@blessingabeng_) April 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/colovrmenude/status/981574801230876672
Pleade why are you people attacking Deola Sagoe. How many Nigerians can afford her? You people should rest. All the people that can afford her just did their weddings.
— Nims (@nimyde) April 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/Yemi_HRF/status/981749151519080448
Other reactions
https://twitter.com/harry_nonso/status/981584476403830784
Nigerians are complaining about Deola Sagoe adverts targeted at the International market not being Nigerian enough? There's something wrong with you people.
— Gene Grey (@EuginhoCortez) April 4, 2018
Unpopular opinion, there is nothing wrong with the intention behind Deola Sagoe's advert. Why do we get upset when 'our' brands try to cross over to other markets? This is about economics, not feelings.
— Damilola Onwah (@DamiOnwah) April 4, 2018
In Deola Sagoe’s ad there is a Black girl, a Caucasian, a Mongoloid and Australoid what again do we want? You can’t attack her morals and request for white Models. The theme is “Nigeria to the world” not “For Nigerians”. It’s even a Yoruba theme song pic.twitter.com/PcfAQSS3fN
— Blessing Abeng (@blessingabeng_) April 4, 2018
So Nigerians watch Deola Sagoe's AD and the first thing that comes to mind is that she used whites instead of blacks?? We are our own problem in this country.
— Ş (@macora18) April 5, 2018
Deola Sagoe don cast for that ad, Agreed.
But why are people that live on the mainland talking about "Boycotting" her brand?
LMAOOO, Please lets be serious.
— Nnanyi Biggie. JP, Ph.D, OON. (@BiggieMonzie) April 4, 2018
You never buy Deola Sagoe cloth before but you dey para. LMAO How you wan take boycott brand wey you never fit afford?
— 🕊️ (@ItsOluwaTweezy) April 5, 2018
Read this thread to understand the "rationale" behind the ad. This too.
