American comedian Tiffany Haddish has defended a controversial TikTok video of her visit to a supermarket in Zimbabwe, clarifying her intent behind the footage that sparked criticism from some Zimbabweans. The video, which shows Haddish expressing astonishment at the size and variety of products in the Harare supermarket, has been viewed over 200,000 times and elicited a range of reactions.
In the video, Haddish marvels at the grocery store’s size, exclaiming, “Look at this grocery store. It’s humungous, in Africa,” as she films the aisles stocked with items such as soft drinks, frozen meat, and fresh fruit. Her comments were met with a backlash on social media, with critics accusing her of perpetuating stereotypes and displaying ignorance about Africa’s modernity.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, “How ignorant could she be? Did she think that Africans shop from rocks? She needs to travel more and unclog her sadly colonized view of the world. Yikes.” Another commenter expressed frustration, stating, “They think we’re chasing lions and zebras,” while a third criticized the perception of Africa as primitive, pointing out that many Americans mistakenly believe Africans live without modern amenities.
In response to the backlash, Haddish took to X to address the criticism and explain her perspective. She revealed that her views on Africa had been shaped by misleading narratives, stating, “I am an American, a Black one at that, and told for years that people are starving in Africa, showed pictures of babies with flies on them.” She acknowledged being taught “crazy stories” about violence and constant conflict on the continent.
Haddish expressed that her visit to Zimbabwe had been an eye-opening experience, challenging the misconceptions she had previously held. “I thought I would share cause I know people in the USA that believe Africans don’t have anything,” she wrote, emphasizing her intent to counteract these misconceptions.
Supporters of Haddish have defended her, with some praising her for highlighting a different aspect of Africa. “We like that you like our grocery store and all the products that shocked you are just basics here as well,” one supporter commented, adding, “We really aren’t in the forest hanging on trees.”
The comedian, who is of Eritrean descent and visited Eritrea for the first time in 2018, has also commented on her experiences in Africa more broadly. During her visit, she praised Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, who has faced criticism from various quarters as a “dictator.”
Haddish’s video and subsequent defense underscore a broader conversation about the portrayal of Africa in Western media and the impact of such narratives on public perceptions. Her experience highlights the importance of engaging with diverse and authentic representations of the continent beyond stereotypical images.
In other news – Seh Calaz’s former manager launches new church, cites troubling experiences
The dynamic landscape of Zimbabwean music has undergone many changes, but few are as striking as the recent transformation of Minister Maporisa, a prominent music promoter who has exchanged the vibrant energy of the stage for the serene dedication of the pulpit.
Previously known for managing the renowned dancehall artist Seh Calaz and championing emerging musicians, Maporisa has now founded his own church, “House of Life Ministries,” in the lively Mabvuku township. This unexpected pivot has stirred considerable buzz within the local community, sparking curiosity and raising questions about his motivations behind this dramatic career shift. Read More
