Why did influencer Jackie Aina come under fire for using the word, Sòrò Sókè?
2 min read
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE
Nigerian influencer Jackie Aina is being slammed on social media for labeling one of her new candles as Sòrò Sókè.
Here is everything you need to know.
Jackie Aina’s Sòrò Sókè controversy explained
Jackie Aina, who recently turned 35 years old, unveiled her new Owambe candle collection on 5th August.
For her new product, she teamed up with fashion designer Claude Kameni and FORVR Mood, a brand established by Aina.
Regardless, the collection consisted of four new fragrances namely, Sòrò Sókè, No Wahala, Soft Life, and Spice Of Life.
This caused tons of drama for the influencer since the word Sòrò Sókè is associated with a controversial protest in Nigeria. The term originated in Yoruban (West African ethnic group) and means to ‘speak up’ or ‘don’t be silent’.
In 2017, the youth in Nigeria came together to protest against police brutality which caused the disbandment of the controversial unit Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The online campaigns used hashtags such as #EndSARS and #SòròSókè during the protest.
Hence, numerous users criticized Aina for using a sensitive slogan to market her product.
Users react to Jackie Aina’s Sòrò Sókè
Many social media users expressed their stance over Jackie Aina using a protest slogan to sell her new candle collection.
One user noted, ‘Dear Non-Nigerians, The reason why this is receiving so much backlash is that Jackie Aina shamelessly named one of the candles “Soro Soke” which translates into “speak up”. It was one of the rallying cries during EndSars. But Jackie was notably silent during the protests.’
Another wrote, ‘wow. that is a damn shame. I’m not Nigerian but I know I’m gonna block her. thank you. gross.’
While someone said, ‘Jackie Aina is a great example of those that remember they’re Nigerian when it’s time to use it for clout.’
A different user pointed out, ‘Jackie Aina always seemed to be an opportunist tbh. never really stood firm in anything.’
Who is Jackie Aina?
Jackie is a Nigerian-American YouTuber who develops content centering on cosmetics and self-care.
Aina has been vocal about her support for people of color. She also talked about how the social media visibility of citizens from minority groups should be increased.
Moreover, she is quite active on most of her social media platforms which have earned her a very large fan following.
She currently has 1.8 million followers on Instagram, while 3.56 million users follow her on TikTok.u
