Nigerian Women Negotiating Beauty, Power, and Love in the Romantic Web Series «Skinny Girl in Transit»

Abstract

Although Nigerians have historically been reputed for appreciating large body size, the increasing influence Western beauty standards has changed the social construction of plus-size bodies (Fausat and Ayodele, 2017). In light of debates regarding the representations of non-normative bodies in contemporary romantic narratives, this paper explores the tension between customary and contemporary perceptions of large bodies by exploring the predicaments of the «plus sized» heroine of the Nigerian romantic web series Skinny Girl in Transit (2015-present). Tiwa’s efforts to lose weight reflect her quest for romantic stability, as she negotiates contradictory constructions of body size. Tiwa strives to maintain the fragile equilibrium between following customary laws and fulfilling new expectations regarding beauty. Skinny Girl in Transit engages its viewers in this discussion through direct interpellations and, indirectly, through Tiwa’s radio program, The Gist, where she discusses work, family and love. Through The Gist, Tiwa voices how cultural contradictions regarding body size affect not only Nigerian women’s self-esteem but also their professional opportunities when it comes to promoting or being hired. Tiwa’s sharing of her personal experience will be explored as a form of mentorship in which her interactive audience learns to share their worries with their fellow Nigerians. I seek to demonstrate that Tiwa’s discussion of her private anxieties in the public sphere fosters a sense of «participatory culture» (Jenkins, 2009: xi) among her audience. The Gist will be read as a safe space promoting a sense of comradeship and social connection which ultimately prompts critical thinking towards Nigerian customary laws and the practices that undermine Nigerian women’s rights.