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African creators frequently receive bizarre, offensive, or deeply uneducated questions on social media—such as asking if Africans live in trees, share beds with wild animals, or possess supernatural anatomical structures. Creators respond by inventing fictitious "awards" or "scientific breakthroughs" in a perfectly serious, deadpan tone to match the absurdity of the original question.
Charity Ekezie has built a massive following on TikTok by "schooling" viewers who ask ignorant or stereotypical questions about Africa—such as whether Africans have seen water or if they live in trees. "Award N.13" became a fan favorite because it flipped a common fetishizing search term into a tool for social commentary. Cultural Impact
The focus on "extreme gluteal proportions" highlights the medical fixation on , a biological trait involving high levels of tissue accumulation around the buttocks and thighs, which was common among the Khoisan people of Southern Africa. Rather than viewing this as a natural anatomical variation, European scientists classified it as an exotic anomaly, using it to draw a false evolutionary line between Western civilization and African peoples. 2. The Case of Saartjie Baartman: The "Hottentot Venus" This public link is valid for 7 days
Behind the humor and viral hashtags lies a deep history involving genetics, evolutionary biology, and cultural perceptions of full-figured bodies across the African continent. This article explores the biological reality of steatopygia, the impact of colonial history, and the modern reclamation of the African female form. Understanding the Biology: What is Steatopygia?
Within these cultures, far from being simply an "unusual" trait, a pronounced gluteal region has historically been considered a mark of beauty, health, and fertility. It signifies a woman's ability to withstand environmental stress and support offspring.
However, not everyone views this award positively. Critics argue that it objectifies women, reducing them to their physical attributes. There are concerns about the promotion of unhealthy body ideals and the potential for the award to be seen as a form of exploitation. It's essential to consider these perspectives, ensuring that any celebration of physical attributes prioritizes the dignity and agency of the individuals involved. Can’t copy the link right now
The structural breakdown of this phrase reveals it as classic digital clickbait:
The most prominent historical example of this phenomenon was Sarah Baartman, a Khoikhoi woman who was brought to Europe in the early 19th century. Marketed under the stage name "The Hottentot Venus," she was exhibited before audiences fascinated by her physical proportions. This era established a complex legacy where African female physiques were simultaneously objectified and marginalized by Western scientific establishments. 3. Shifting Aesthetics: From Curiosity to Global Aspiration
Across the African continent, various regions have distinct colloquial terms to appreciate full-figured women without the clinical detachment of Western observation. In Nigeria, terms like Lepas (slim) and Orobo (plump/full-figured) are part of everyday vocabulary. In South Africa, voluptuous figures are frequently celebrated in music, fashion, and traditional dance, where movement highlights the natural silhouette. Rather than viewing these proportions as "unusual," these societies integrate them into mainstream definitions of femininity and grace. The Shift in Global Beauty Standards In South Africa
: Awards like this can play a significant role in promoting body positivity and self-esteem, particularly among young women, by celebrating diverse body types. However, it's essential to ensure that the intention is to empower and not to objectify.
Born in South Africa, Baartman was taken to London in 1810 and later to Paris. She was placed in exhibitions where European audiences paid to view her body, specifically focusing on her gluteal proportions and elongated labia (referred to in colonial texts as the "Hottentot apron").