To all my Nigerian brothers and sisters
I am, always have been, and always will be proud of my Nigerian heritage. I understand the pain and anger caused by some of the comments I made in a recent interview, and I wanted to address you directly. Contrary to popular belief, this interview was not the first in which I mentioned Nigeria. In fact, I’m frequently bragging about how Nigerians attend the world’s most prestigious institutions, and how we are known to produce world class doctors, entrepreneurs, innovators, lawyers, engineers, professors, athletes and artists. Unfortunately, people tend to leave these moments out, and, in this case, highlight stereotypes. I would never do or say anything to intentionally disgrace the legacy of my father nor my fatherland. But to not relay my own story, both the good times and the bad, would be a disservice.
Jidenna and late dad |
When
I was 5 years old, my family was robbed at gunpoint, my mother was
beaten, family members were kidnapped, and I was shot in my foot. As is
the case with all kidnapping, targeting those who are perceived to be
wealthy is the objective. In this instance, my father was the target
because of his prominence in the community. This was a traumatic
experience for my family that would shape our entire lives and our
experiences in both Nigeria and America. As a little boy, I swore that I
would never let that happen to my family again. As my father often
said, “Once you’re bitten by a snake, you‘ll be ready to shoot a
lizard!” At the time of my father’s burial 5 years ago, my family in the
village was concerned about increased targeting for kidnapping since
the rate of abductions had increased dramatically in the area we are
from. We were traveling from America, which along with our biracial
appearance, had the potential to attract attention and pose a threat to
our security. In light of what happened in the past and the tense
climate at the time, my family took precautions to ensure our safety.
This was not an uncommon protocol at the time. I recognize incidents
such as these are not unique to Nigeria or the African continent, and
there have been significant improvements in the region since this
period.
In the recent interview to
which I’ve been referring, I shared my family’s experience traveling
from the States back home for the burial. In this interview, I used the
term “light-skinned.” When using this term, I was actually referring to
my immediate family’s mixed or biracial appearance. See, no matter what
language I use to describe my heritage, I’m certain that someone will
feel some kind of way. This is a larger discussion not meant for this
statement, but certainly derives from our colonial past and postcolonial
present, and in the States, from the days of slavery to the present
times. My comments about skin tone were related to the notion of
perceived wealth and value, not my personal beliefs. My point was never
to imply that biracial or “light-skinned” people are the only ones or
the most targeted group of people kidnapped, or that I myself was
wealthy at the time. Rather than focus on my perceived value, let us
continue to focus on the value of Nigeria.
There
is no question that Africa is playing a pivotal role in the future of
our planet and that Nigeria, with it’s booming economy and burgeoning
middle class, is a driving force. I will continue to play my role in the
Renaissance taking place in Nigeria and Africa at large. We may not
agree on everything, but know my heart is your heart, and my experience
is part of our collective experience.
171 comments:
Ok
Alright then. Go and sin no more
We don hear....guide ur tongue better next time.
Check my blog please. Thanks.
Long story...
Thanks for d lovely write up.
Thumbs up, and more power to his elbows for dis.
Ok. You're forgiven, but watch your utterances henceforth
COMING SOON!!!
[Music] LYNDY - MY HERO ( A TRIBUTE TO DR GOODLUCK JONATHAN)
Ur Nigerian brothers and sisters.....na now u knw! nkita lacha kwa gi onu there.
Apology Accepted, well said
Oga I don't blame u at all, Nigeria is full of evil. The fear of nigeria is the beginning of wisdom.
Fuck out
So nice of him, good to know he's back to his sense.
NWA oma, go and sin no more.
~BONARIO~says so via NOKIA LUMIA
Well said and so articulate Jidenna, God bless you bro
Good one ... You're right and I support u on dis
Story For the Gods oh
Ok! Go and sin no more. Lindaobserve
Nna gi muru gi! Supu!
E TOO LONG...TOMJERRYSWIT
i completely agree with Jidenna on this one. people should not be quoted out of context. continue your good works. Nigeria is proud of you too.
POOR BOY DIDNT SAY NOTHING WRONG
NICE ONE
Good boy...
Oga dont mind them, they all knew how to protect their own family.
I understand him and have supported him right from day1 of his hit song
Story!!!
Linda u see am???
Ok seen, buy dnt try dat again nxt tym
Am in love with Jidenna already. He looks like Banky W. So handsome, so cute. My dear please don't mind some people, na jealously de worry them.
How touching....he seems sincere
Excellent! As you read through. you could almost feel his sincerity. Way to go J!
Issokay then. Very thoughtful of him to clarify things. Linda take note!
Issokay then. Very thoughtful of him to clarify things. Linda take note!
Lmao. Bitch u r mean
People didn't take time to watch the video to hear the interview. This guy spoke about his experience what he has faced, iif it. Was me I will do the same. People misunderstood him, if it was me will do the same. It is well with u jidenna
Wow! Nice write up, and d open letter mak a lot of sense. I wish him all d best thereof. Thumbs up, and more power to his elbows.
Alright Jidenna,Your Forgiven go and sin no more!
U r mad
Ds story too long abeg... Tame ur tongue so dt u wnt av to write Ds long apology story next tym...
Good.
Well said jidenna. I understand and forgive you. Sorry for lashing out at you. Follow me on Twitter @guineacar and DM ur pin or phone number to me so we can talk better.
Na wa for you, the insult is uncalled for
Ds story too long abeg...Tame ur tongue so dt u wnt av to write Ds long apology story next tym dearie
a.k.a EDWIN CHINEDU AZUBUKO said..
.
Fuck Nigeria and nice write up bro....
.
.
***CURRENTLY IN JUPITER***
a.k.a EDWIN CHINEDU AZUBUKO said..
.
Fuck Nigeria and nice write up bro....
.
.
***CURRENTLY IN JUPITER***
Nice write-up, well articulated. You surely didn't eat your school fees. Apology accepted.
We are just good at reading meanings in people comments. The poor boy meant no wrong in what he said.
~Charles Ifeco~
Thunder fire you breast for this comment
Well said...
Still our brother
I have said it before and I will say it again, he didn't say anything wrong. You owe nobody any explanation. Linda, swear if you no dey carry mobile police or bodyguard anywhere you travel around Nigeria.
He said exactly dsame thing d last u people went mad....u were just too slow to reason out what he meant...obote!!! Exposing your ignorance...be there shouting-- u guys boosted his position on d billboard...he's more known presently in nigeria than before u peoplez stupid reaction.
Accepted..cos you're a classic man...
Nice one
I understand you better now.
Classic man. U are really a classic man. Nice write up. U are forgiven.
Nigerian slut
Imbecile. Fvck off. See ur ugly face
Kiss nd hug jor,,,,dun mind wt ppl wil say so far u re duin t for ya benefit jor,,,,,***odikwa risky nd tyt***
Ezigbo nwa afor Igbo. We always rep. Jisieike Nnam.
I'm out. ***CATCH ME IF U CAN***
Kiss nd hug jor,,,,dun mind wt ppl wil say so far u re duin t for ya benefit jor,,,,,***odikwa risky nd tyt***
Linda you must take note of his action now for nest time
TOP THREE BLOGS IN NIGERIA
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WWW.BELLANAIJA.COM
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Attention seeker!!!.... He's enjoying his 2mins fame in LIB..
hahahahah well hahahahah what did you said that is his name Linda? is he an unfortunate albino?
Woow nice write up.....
Medicine after death, let me tell you when you bashed your so called nigeria brothers and sisters. So bad from your base, it spreads abroad and not only nigeria,I listen to it on entertainment news in ghana,next time learn to control your tongue mr man.
Nice one..Now dat's how a real classic man is meant to act.
Well articulated & understood! Nothing do you my bro. Carry go!!!
I like the heart felt sincerity of his letter to Nigerians.
Hope we can all move past the misconceptions of his interview and focus on more important issues challenging our unity and peace as a nation, Boko haram, biafra, Odutuwa, corruption etc.
Talk better ke. O ma ga o
I don't know Jidenna personally and hadn't heard of him before this...
but if u ever come across this... u shud know ur pple by now.
1. We talk too much
2. We jump to hasty conclusions
So its not evrything sm1 says u shud respond to. Any smart individual who actually listened to that piece would know you were speaking about your experience and speaking your own view/truth.
which you are entitled to
Nigerians we don't like to hear the truth.
They still Kidnap esp in the Eastern region till TODAY
Chimamanda's dad was kidnapped recently, so was NOI's parent.
Nigerians always complain that whites r given preferential treatment or light-skinned girls are preferred but when sm1 else says it wahala
You may wanna play to the tune of ur fan-based but how many pple here even buy ur music? to make u bother what they think.
Pple who buy ur music will understand u and ur point of view.
U see all these things ive just said is proof that we talk a lot
Keep doing u.
Haters will always be there
hustler..He will send u his pin, phone number and even house address...ode!!
Fine boy. Igbo boys sabi fine and they have good manners. That's why I married one. They Take good care of their wives too. I love love the Igbos.
Ok .....
Nnenne george, with all your exposure in Canada. U still claimed to be Biafran instead of Nigerian. Nawa o. Lol
Oh booboo kitty there's no need explaining to Nigerians, they're bitter by default! Always looking for the nenext person to tear down. Love you boo 😚
God punish Tiwa savage's husband talking nonsense. Papajassiman like him that a woman is feeding. And God punish Basket mouth too. Animals
I did see or read anything like i'm sorry.
Wow! Well spoken like a real Man Apology Accepted No real man can runaway from his father's Land that you now know
He's actually fair o. Nigerians n deir wahala
He looks like Bob Obodo
Accepted bro. Seen a lot of his interviews after Linda's first publication of him and of a truth; this guy represents Nigeria everywhere he goes. God bless you Classic Man.
I like dis Nigerian, u re indeed a Nigerian sir.
Accepted
We hear you
U r the biggest idiot.
Fallen in love with this sexy guy
Nice one Jidenna. I love u already.
Now ur a CLASSIC MAN!
"Slow and steady wins d race"
Now ur a CLASSIC MAN!
"Slow and steady wins d race"
Nnenna. You are a bitter person. Lick some sugar n pray. God can change u. By the way Jidenna does not need LIB. He's already made n popular. Lastly, it is 'on' LIB.
I believe him and I love him already for this. My Ibo brother.
Well said Jidenna. I know the family and can attest to the horror they went through. It speaks volumes that he still feels that it is important to maintain good relationship with his roots despite the horrible experiences suffered by his family. I am SO proud of him for addressing this issue when he really did not even have to. He is super educated- got into Harvard, but went to Stanford instead, and he followed every protocol to come and bury his father in his village in Nigeria despite the risks. You are a well brought up young man, a role model and a classic man. Great job at the BET Awards....When is your next single... Everyone should please support this young man - don't just write about support - download from I-tunes, and buy his awesome music!!! GO Jidenna!
Mrs Poche. People like u are the reason Nigeria is still backwards. U r the boko haram of our time. It is not until u behead someone before u can b called that. Too much hate n bitterness even towards ur own. I wonder what u wld hv said if he was of a different tribe. Anuofia. Is it until he licks ur pussy then u let it go? Nkita lachakwa gi
U look miserable sef. N u dey tell billonaire to fuck off. Abeg go get a job before depression sets in.
He wanted attention to promote n create buzz for himself n whatever he does, n guess what? It worked! Ignorant ass albino looking like lizard.. FOH!
Obote man? 7 amigos? Dodorima to you. Egede.
The hustle is real.
It's good he made people understand what he was thinking when he made that comment
Alright
Nnenne George... haba he's ibo na
Its quite quite, next u learn how to talk so u dont take out time out of ur jobless schedule to right this unaccepted rubbish. Isoray. Ayamatanga
Lmfao. I'm dead. Jidenna biko follow asap. Na una sabi.
Ignorance is bliss... Smh, you are part of the lot he had to explain what "being light skinned" means to and you still dare say he has come back to his senses. Typical stereotyped nigerians that love to hate (and hear)the truth.
Nnenne George really? I laugh in igbo. LIB of all places? Bleh.....
Accepted cause u are a classy man
Yes, a brother's anger no dey reach bone-marrow
It's ok, go and sin no more.
god save you i for use you sock garri
Chill pills dear! Go check your grammar before pouncing on someone's skin colour! I feel sorry for your english teacher! Did I say english teacher? Oops! My bad, u spent school hours chasing for bush meat to impress your village girlfriend.
Cool talk.....plenty sense..anyways na true u talk shall
"...Controvery"?
U don't have job o. A fool is ur hero
All this "value" biz is making me feel some type of way but I'll let you slide this time. Let me go find this song you found a way to sneak into your write-up.
donny who? i laugh in spanish ..dreamer
All this "value" biz is making me feel some type of way but I'll let you slide this time. Let me go find this song you snuck into your write-up.
LINDA, I LIKE THIS GUY FOR YOU.....PLS MARRY HIM, AM SURE HE SENT THIS LETTER TO YOU PERSONALLY SO YOU HAVE HIS CONTACTS
Lol okay o
Forgiven and now water under the bridge. This is what he should've said and how he should've said it from the beginning. We know the ills that cause stench and rot in our country but if someone wants to distance himself from us we will distance ourselves but not without insulting his forefathers first...nigerians sha lol. Old adage, I can insult myself and my family, but you cannot use the same insult if you're not in the family. I takes a "classic man" to admit his mistakes and apologize and he's done both. I hail my igbo brother.
Lol! Jesox, talk better?? Na for your dreams go be that one oooo!! Mumu...
Nice One. He looks like Banky by the way but cuter cuz he's without the big head.
Abeg go and sit down. He has apologised. Take it or leave it, u don't put food on his table. Haba!!!
You should read with glasses next time. He wasn't apologising, he was only providing clarity on the issue! #copythat
Who are you and what have you achieved to correct another Nigerian! Abeg park!
Next** na night school you go I can feel it!
He is not a 'poor boi'! How can you even qualify a boi as 'poor'! He's a man FYI!
You should spend more time in school, so you can learn patience when reading! #copythat
This guy is talented....see grammar. alright we have heard. It's ok nna
My thoughts exactly! He only talked about his childhood bitter experience. "If you have ever been bitten by a snake, you will shoot a lizard." simply put, "once bitten, twice shy!"
Sure!
He didn't say anything out of place! Learn to understand people before you spew your bit! #copythat
Jidenna, God Bless you and God Bless Nigeria.
i still like him and his music.Apology accepted
In Igbo... Si eba puwa... shiit mehn.. say wohh!!!
I understand you better now Jide.. Very classic indeed.
Please loose the beard✌✌
How come is dad is dark-skinned?I thought that all igbos are light-skinned and descend from king david of isreal.
U 4 no clarify ursef knw weda u go show Dia country again nonsense try control ur tongue mak e no put u 4 trouble
Well written.
I don't need to, but I feel compelled to comment so that if at all Jidenna ever reads this, he would see another comment that acknowledges his truth as valid and important. Everyone in the world has some complex or another; unfortunately social media gives Nigerians (and other groups) the "opportunity" to express their complexes, stew in their dysfunction, and then make sensible honest expression feel defensive. Stay classic, Jidenna! You rock!
Ok
@ anno 5.1 a million like for your comment .you have said it all
This guy is a fool. And he is insulting our intelligence. He didn't even apologise. He is a disgrace and he should take his light skinned ass away from us. We love put brown skin. We are beautiful and we love Nigeria. Why did he have to distinguish between the two skin tones. He is a disgusting human being.
Oloshi
Thanks man. U spoke my mind. He's definitely a classic man to reply to jobless Nigerians who keep denying the abysmal state our country is in. God bless u Jidenna
Classic open Letter from a 'classic' man! Xoxo
Hahahaha jajajajaja the hussle is real.
When you say things when you're not prepared for them that's actually when your speaking from the bottom of your belly. Going back and reflecting on all that has happened and thinking a mere article would make me perceive you different is a big lie. Before this controversy I never knew you but now I have watched your video. Be try and be yourself. What will be will be light skin or dark we are all human.
mature way of handling matters,I see truth in it. Respect,u just earned 100 points
Jidenna is so sweet!
That is if he will read your comment abi? Na so your hustle strong? I just can't stop laughing...
I dont understand these new linda ikeji soldiers e.g mr stretch who wont let any one oppose thier opinion. I mean even if you get paid to do pr dont follow uncle jona's pr analysts who kept insulting the public and ended up isolating him more..
I dont get these new linda ikeji soldiers who wont let any one oppose their views without getting aggressive e.g mr stretch
Seen
You are forgiven...but no fuck up again o
I love your name Jidenna( hold onto God), it's beautiful. This is not actually an apology but a clarification based on your last writeup. I love the way and manner you went about it and this is how people should relate with one another to build and enhance relationship. I clearly understand the terms you used now which got me confused. Things and times have changed but you can't be alien to your homeland. More of this please.
Calm down people. For those that didnt understand jidenna i think you need to go back to high school..for those that understood, I say smart thinking. .for those insulting the ones that don't uunderstand I think you guys are on the same level so go back to high school..thank you
Jisike nwokeoma
He shouldn't have apologized, he didn't do nothing.. He doesn't owe anybody jackshit
I love you mhan..
See this ugly bitch oo.. You should fuck in..
As in on the real??? Lmao
Well said Olivia Pope. Like we all don't know d situation of things in ds country. I'm beginning to feel we have serious complex issues in ds country. Cos we are so quick to xpct pple to portray us well even when we know we are far from well.
Ma dear,dont mind dem make dem de laugh u,next month or year now,they'll hear Jidenna weds wetin b dat ur name again sef? Hustle jor,its real.. God bless u sister
Pls let Nnenna G be jor, y'all are hypocritic by default.
He's famous, rich n mixed race: not the first in that category I believe. Rather than apologize straight out, he uses English to charm his way through and "no hope" girls r already calling him boo.
I'm sorry (okwusigo)
Epic story about being shot in d foot @ 5yrs during a robbery (guessing in Nigeria .
Bad belle. Go and kill yourself. Show your face and let's compare. Ugly mofo!
Hahahaha! Foolish person. Just like saying all Yorubas are ugly with big tribal marks and descendants of Egypt.
Cool story, next please
Yeye dey smell
Once bitten by a snake, you will be ready to shoot a lizard!!! I love that proverb "taken"
Take several seats man. You would say worse if you had similar experience. Get a fvcking life!!!
this dude just got popular, downloading all his songs....#hitMe
well said dude
well said dude
LOL
Can't even find any of my messages
Nigeria conjures up the fondest memories of being an exchange student back, back in the day. I was not at odds with being in a different place, because I was reared in the Eastern Caribbean and I made the adjustment immediately. Jamaican women where I worked would say she is "one of us" although I am not Jamaican. A sense of belonging heaped around me, but I can say this, Nigeria is a mix of old and new, yet I always kept my eyes open for those who thought they could outsmart me. "Look at this girl oh", thought I was a Nigerian returning who had gotten beside herself. Not hardly. I am humble as ever. Although I can relate to Jidenna has stated, I think he did so very diplomatically. The truth sometimes hurts. Thus, the reaction from fellow Nigerians. I will say this although I am what most people of African descent would refer to as "brown skin", I too being a foreigner had a certain type of prestige in Nigeria. I could not understand, but that was just their mindset. For instance, it always amazed me I was always asked to eat "English diet". I also gathered there was not a strong sense of consciousness among certain folk, about being Nigerian or for that matter, connection to Africans in the Diaspora. Enough said'
Nigeria conjures up the fondest memories of being an exchange student back, back in the day. I was not at odds with being in a different place, because I was reared in the Eastern Caribbean and I made the adjustment immediately. Jamaican women where I worked would say she is "one of us" although I am not Jamaican. A sense of belonging heaped around me, but I can say this, Nigeria is a mix of old and new, yet I always kept my eyes open for those who thought they could outsmart me. "Look at this girl oh", thought I was a Nigerian returning who had gotten beside herself. Not hardly. I am humble as ever. Although I can relate to Jidenna has stated, I think he did so very diplomatically. The truth sometimes hurts. Thus, the reaction from fellow Nigerians. I will say this although I am what most people of African descent would refer to as "brown skin", I too being a foreigner had a certain type of prestige in Nigeria. I could not understand, but that was just their mindset. For instance, it always amazed me I was always asked to eat "English diet". I also gathered there was not a strong sense of consciousness among certain folk, about being Nigerian or for that matter, connection to Africans in the Diaspora. Enough said'
"where are the other two points?" I am loving it. I think he is talking about my own life growing up in NYC. Igbo parents sha..
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