Idols SA Winner Musa Sukwene Sparks Debate with Nigerian-Inspired Wedding Attire (PHOTOS)

Musa Sukwene, the former Idols SA winner, and his bride Tshiamo Makama recently got married in an intimate ceremony that has sparked a heated discussion on cultural appropriation in South Africa.

The couple’s wedding attire, designed by BMashilo Designs, combined South African and Nigerian cultural elements, drawing mixed reactions from fans and social media.

Their bold choice of clothing became a talking point, with Makama’s traditional Nigerian gele (headwrap) paired with a gown featuring South African Shweshwe print, intricate beading, and lacework.

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Why they wearing Nigerian tradition?

— SewelaNkoana (@sewelankoana) October 7, 2024

Some praised the cultural blend, while others expressed outrage over wearing “Nigerian attire” for a South African wedding.

Nigerian fashion designer Ify Ubby explained the significance of the gele, noting it symbolizes elegance and maturity in Nigerian culture.

Despite this explanation, some South African and Nigerian netizens criticized the couple’s attire as inappropriate, sparking a broader debate on cultural appropriation.

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Social media users questioned whether it’s acceptable to wear another culture’s traditional dress when neither the bride nor groom belongs to that culture.

The discussion highlighted concerns about respecting cultural boundaries while celebrating diversity.

The wedding designer defended the couple’s decision, emphasizing that cross-cultural exchange is part of Africa’s shared history and should not be seen as taboo or disrespectful. She condemned the backlash as afrophobia and encouraged a celebration of cultural unity.

U r right ,white wedding is a European tradition tht we saw ourselves embracing in Africa. Bt same as th material tht is used make our “African traditional attires”,thse materials came wth Europeans. Ours ws animal skin,straws etc. So whte dress,Nigerian what what same thing🤞.

— Luxy (@Lu20766114) October 9, 2024

They’re not Nigerian just whites conquered them and took their land and clothes don’t mean they can steal other peoples culture

— fuck hour feelings (@byerachel45) October 8, 2024

What’s wrong with their own traditional wear,South africans are really embarrassing

— phakade_elihle🇿🇦 (@NeliswaNonhle) October 8, 2024