Nigerian-American Jackie Aina Catches Flames For Insensitive New Candle
The s-candle burns bright on Twitter as the Youtuber's 'Sòrò Sókè' candle sparks fury over the political meaning behind the name.
We didn't think this week we would see drama from a candle release. But here we are.
Nigerian-American Youtuber Jackie Aina has angered the Nigerian online community after the latest release from her lifestyle candle brand Forvr Mood. The candle, titled"Sòrò Sókè" which translates to "Speak Up", has the Nigerian community up in arms as the saying was originally used during the inhumane #ENDSARS saga that saw the Nigerian government willfully gun down peaceful protesters.
In a video sharing Aina's event celebrating her latest collection, "Owombe", her official Twitter account announced the names of the four new fragrances: Sòrò Sókè, No Wahala, Soft Life, and Spice of Life. In a behind-the-scent type video, Aina clearly understood the original meaning behind 'Soro Soke', however, her explanation did seem rather out of touch.
"Soro Soke in Yoruba means 'Speak Up'", she acknowledges in the video. But, it doesn't get better as she continues. "When I first smelled this scent it was bold, and I wanted to give it a name that matched the energy of what I was smelling." The former beauty influencer turned lifestyle guru then kindly goes on to describe the bold, yet creamy nature of sandalwood.
Unfortunately, she continues: "Speaking up is important, but you can never do it alone. I felt really inspired by the fact that it was layered and supported with these other beautiful, stunning notes." There was no mention of the boldness being inspired by the power and force behind Nigerian youths.
Some have falsely accused Aina of having stayed silent while the protests were taking place, though there are examples of her sending support to those in her home country. It would be unfair to assume that Aina's actions were intentional... however, calling a cousin back home probably would've done her some good.
Aina has yet to respond to the online criticism.
Nigerian twitter is not having it
\u201cDoes it smell like gun powder? @jackieaina\u201d— Montana (@Montana) 1659692849
\u201cAnd what's sending me is that, as a long term Jackie Aina fan, I *KNOW* she'd be one of the first people to drag a brand for exploiting the BLM movement for coins. Especially for something as shallow as candles \ud83d\ude2d\ud83d\udc80 So, honestly, she should have had more sense. This is so vile\u201d— PB (@PB) 1659699180
\u201cHey @jackieaina. Please leave #Endsars and everything related to it out of your Nigerian cosplay. It's beyond disrespectful to those we lost and those of us that spent two weeks under the sun protesting for our lives.\n\nThanks and remain blessed.\u201d— Imoteda (@Imoteda) 1659696675
\u201cIs Jackie Aina serious? What even is a soro soke scented candle going to smell like?\u201d— Biliquis (@Biliquis) 1659693018
\u201cPeople died. A whole generation of Nigerians FOREVER traumatised just so Jackie Aina could sell a candle you know. There is no insult deep enough I could say right now. I am fucking spun \ud83d\ude02\u201d— Troublemaker of Zion - W N C (@Troublemaker of Zion - W N C) 1659690602
\u201cThe same Jackie Aina that blocked everyone who begged her to lend a voice to the #EndSARS protest is now playing Nigerian dress up party and trying to profit off the phrase that memorializes the unjust death and suffering of innocent Nigerians\nYou can\u2019t make this shit up\u201d— Uche\ud83c\udf78 (@Uche\ud83c\udf78) 1659705161
\u201cDear Non-Nigerians,\n\nThe reason why this is receiving so much backlash is because Jackie Aina shamelessly named one of the candles "Soro Soke" which translates into "speak up". \n\nIt was one of the rallying cries during EndSars. But Jackie was notably silent during the protests.\u201d— Holadera (@Holadera) 1659700273
- These 5 African Bloggers Give Us the Tea on Fenty Beauty's Galaxy ... ›
- 100 Women: Jackie Aina Is the Beauty Guru Challenging the ... ›
What's in A Name: How African Names Get Lost in Translation
From NBA stars to Grammy nominees, prominent Africans have often had their names misspelled or mispronounced. While some have pushed back and reclaimed it, others embrace it.
With “Sade,” Adekunle Gold Challenged The Nigerian Music Industry
As “Sade” turns 10, we take a look at how Adekunle Gold provided an alternative template to being a Nigerian superstar by making music with soul and commercial merits.