Nicknames Are a Form of Protest Against Oppressive Administrations in Africa

In African countries like Nigeria and Ghana, as in most places, humor is a lens for understanding, dissecting, and articulating the absurdities of our time. When government policies veer into the ridiculous, people transform them into comedy, stretching reality into forms that provoke laughter and insight. This shared laughter keeps darkness at bay and makes it easier to get by daily.

In Nigeria, citizens have dubbed their sitting president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 'T-Pain.' At first glance, this nickname appears innocuous — a clever reference to the American singer-producer and a playful twist on Tinubu's name. But beneath its surface wit lies a sharper message: T-Pain directly references the economic hardship gripping Nigeria under Tinubu's presidency. The nickname is brilliant; it delivers humor and harsh criticism, perfectly encapsulating Nigeria's record-high levels of hardship today.

South Africa - Cyril Ramaphosa: Cupcake

Last year, a video of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in a helicopter caught people's attention. In it, he was all smiles and jolly. This display of unbridled joy was a stark antithesis to his alleged deeply corrupt administration. That's when he was nicknamed “Cupcake,” which is a perfect metaphor. Like those little pastries in bakery windows, Ramaphosa is all sweet and cheery on the outside. But just as too many cupcakes can leave you feeling sick, his presidency has left South Africans with similar regret.

Uganda - Yoweri Museveni: Bosco Katala

Uganda's president, Yoweri Museveni, has been in power since 1986. In his 38 years of leadership, he ended two oppressive regimes: the brutal dictatorship of Idi Amin and the equally violent administration of Milton Obote. However, Museveni has also been highly critical of, and sometimes retaliatory towards, political opponents.

Last year, his administration included the death penalty in its infamous and widely criticized anti-LGBTQ+ law. That law, and several other human rights violations, contributed to the decline of human rights protections in Uganda, overshadowing the bold actions that brought him into power.

alleged corruption, and unsuccessful posturings as a local leader while promoting poverty alleviation schemes.

Kenya - William Ruto: Zakayo

In June, young Kenyans took to the streets to protest a tax increase that would further exacerbate the already high cost of living in the country. The man behind this culture of taxation, often implemented to settle the country's debt, is President William Ruto, usually referred to as Zayako. This nickname is a shortened form of Zaccheus, known in the Bible as a notorious tax collector. The name is clever, it reflects a deep dissatisfaction with Ruto's frequent tax declarations and their impact on Kenyans.

Cameroon - Paul Biya: President of the Hotel InterContinental

In his 48 years in power, President Paul Biya has gone by many nicknames, including “Demolition Man,” “His Royal Highness” and “The Mummy.” These names reflect his contentious policies and steadfast refusal to leave office, even at 91. Biya, who is notoriously reclusive, is said to have made a brief trip to Geneva in October. He is also referred to as "President of the Hotel InterContinental" due to his regular stay at the Geneva-based five-star hotel.

Recently, Biya's government implemented a ban on the media discussing his health and the potential implications of his unfitness to lead. This action highlights the uncertainty and stagnation of an administration criticized for violent elections and excessive self-interest.