By Jemimah Chungu
Albinism is taking over the entertainment and beauty industry around the globe and quite noticeable in Africa. Albinism has got a long and lasting myth of being related to money for example a viral post on social media has alleged that any social media user who reposts an albino alligator is likely to receive money. There are also many cases in African countries such as Tanzania and Zambia where albinos are stolen and used for money rituals.
However around the globe, albino people and albinism at large has been a “crossroad” of so much negative myths and segregation. In the recent past these albinism segregation has however been tarnished and albinos, engaged and celebrated in all sectors. This can be evinced by commemorations such as International Albinism Awareness Day on 13th June annually. In the spirit of doing so, the beauty of albinos/ albinism has seen a great spotlight in the entertainment, and beauty industry among other sectors.
Nollywood actor Jerry Amilo shared a video of him on social media which revealed his transformation from his having a black melanin rich skin to an outlook of lack of melanin pigmentation skin and blond hair quite alike to an albino. This Sparked a lot of social media buzz but it is still uncertain if the transformation is permanent or a PR stunt.
Early this month Zambia, hosted the annual Ngoma Award show which is the biggest influential, and most competitive award show for the film and culture industry. Among many nominated talented movie stars, the category of best actress was bagged by Thabo Kaamba the young actress.
Furthermore on Thabo Kaamba and the Zambia entertainment industry, earlier this year the first ever and biggest Zambian movie so far titled ‘Can You see Us?’ was launched on Netflix which was a real life story about a Zambian albino musician and businessman Johnny Chiti. The movie starred by Thabo Kaamba which at its release recorded a big streaming record and has since been increasing. This has elevated has social inclusion in the Zambian entertainment industry and recognition.
South Africa is a country known and applauded for social diversity and inclusion. South Africa has a wide range of albino inclusion in the film and music sector as well as social media activism Unlike stereotypical clichés. They like many other African countries have included albinos in movies, music, beauty and fashion runway’s and other social events and cooperatives.
