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Sunday nights on Big Brother Naija? They’re basically the highlight of the week for so many of us. You’ve got that nail-biting tension over who’s getting evicted next, mixed with the pure joy of seeing what host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu is rocking on stage. Seriously, he treats every eviction show as a fashion parade, for which a good number of us get glued to the screens.
This season is one in which Ebuka has pulled out all the stops, profusely inspired by countless legends of music and cinema. From the tribute to King Sunny Ade‘s effervescent vibes to Fela Kuti‘s air of rebellion and back to the embrace of Nollywood’s Chidi Mokeme. Then enter last night: a total royal switch-up.
Picture this: Ebuka steps out in a stunning traditional Northern Nigerian royal ensemble, a long navy blue dress adorned with lighter blue embroidery, replete with delightful geometric patterns to celebrate Hausa trinket-making. He finished the outfit with a smart white turban (called a rawani) and an elegant white feather on it for a further touch of grading. Wire-rimmed glasses and a well-trimmed beard elevated him enough to pose pretty much as a kingly figure. Nothing extra…nothing ostentatious. Just very demure and dignified, that’s got the whole town talking.
Let’s just say it wasn’t totally random. Ebuka went on to say the choice was an homage to the late HRH Muhammadu Maccido, the 19th Sultan of Sokoto. For those who might not know, the Sultan held the throne from 1996 until his passing in 2006. There is quite a story behind it, too: He made his way to the throne amid some controversy, went into exile, and came back strong. The way Ebuka sees it: a beautiful way to salute that piece of cultural history while keeping it sharp and dignified.
The way he owned that stage in it? Effortless. Graceful. Totally Ebuka. Moments such as these are what truly make you appreciate how he straddles traditional with modern sensibilities. Now, we are poised on what he will drag from his wardrobe next week.
