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Sunday 1 February 2015

See the African dolls created by Nigerian man that's outselling Barbie in Nigeria

Found this report on Mail Online and they titled it "Nigerian doll created by man who couldn't find a black toy for his niece is so popular in his country that it's outselling Barbie". Never heard of these dolls but they are lovely and it's an interesting read. Find below...
A man who couldn't find a black doll in the shops as a gift for his niece decided to take matters into his own hands.
In 2007, Taofick Okoya, 43, created his own doll that Nigerian girls could identify with by recreating their skin colour and style - and it is now so successful that it is outselling Barbie. The doll, which is called Queens of Africa, comes with traditional outfits and accessories and costs around £4.50.
The dolls' look is modelled on three of the country's biggest tribes and aims to promote strong feminine ideals, like love, peace and endurance.

The doll is now so popular that, according to Reuters, it is selling up to 9,000 units a month - a staggering 15 per cent of the country's toy market.

But the Queens of Africa aren't just selling in their home country. Thanks to the doll's online presence, customers are coming from as far as America, Brazil and Europe.
Speaking to ELLE about his dolls out-selling Barbie in his native Nigeria, Okoya (pictured above) said: 'My mission is to make the Queens of Africa a symbol of hope, trust, and confidence by promoting African history, culture, and fashion.'

One person that Okoya really hopes the dolls will have a positive impact on is his daughter, who, he explains, once wished she was white.

He explained that even though they live in Nigeria, there was a lot of Western influence. He said: '[This] might have been responsible for her wishing she was white. It made me aware that I needed to make her proud and happy being a black African girl, and not limit it to her alone as this was a common trend among the younger generation. The Queens of Africa became a platform to achieve this.'


Unfortunately, Okoya has been told that he won't be able to sell the dolls on the shelves of mainline stories in America and will have to limit his business to specialist stores. 
But he is determined to see the decision overturned, he said: 'I am looking to prove them wrong.'
at 2/01/2015 11:33:00 am

119 comments:

  1. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 11:36

    Wow. Creativity on its pick. Nice one. #oneandonlynwa@gmail.com#

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AQO1 February 2015 at 12:43

      ... *at its peak.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 12:58

      Lol. Scholastica

      Delete
    3. Unknown1 February 2015 at 12:58

      Wowwww This is really nice.It feels good to see a nigerian who has creative ideas.

      Delete
    4. Unknown1 February 2015 at 16:36

      Wow!
      Dis is great and wish them well.
      Nice one and thumbs up.

      Delete
    5. Unknown1 February 2015 at 19:25

      Wow! Wudnt mind getting one of this for a cousin.
      Wud sure be getting one for my future daughter.

      Delete
    6. Unknown1 February 2015 at 20:59

      A very lovely n gud initiative!

      Delete
    7. Unknown1 February 2015 at 22:30

      Niece and creative..bub the king ogbanje spirit wey go enter this one go even kill chucky self..beware and be warned

      Delete
    8. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 23:41

      I don't mind getting one for myself. Will learn to braid with it

      Delete
    9. Unknown2 February 2015 at 00:24

      Creative. I was about to complain about the colour till I saw darker shades of the doll. Nice one

      Delete
    10. Unknown2 February 2015 at 14:36

      Wooow.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 11:37

    Nice concept. At least sumtin different from what we hv bin seeing. #oneandonlynwa@gmail.com#

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    Replies
    1. Unknown1 February 2015 at 14:35

      Nice one keep it up

      Delete
    2. nystyle@2 February 2015 at 02:22

      African Americans would loooooooove this but I can see white Americans influence to try to keep it from flooding American, they lie, God big pass them.

      Delete
  3. AbokiDaWarriBoy1 February 2015 at 11:37

    Yes prove the Americans wrong. Carry on bro.

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  4. Unknown1 February 2015 at 11:37

    He must really luv his niece. Nice one.


    @Sophia Stephen

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    Replies
    1. click for smiles2 February 2015 at 08:07

      good idea. he should also make dem of varying body sizes. dat wld b superb.




      Where do u spend ur leisure? How do u make urself happy? On those days when u need a smile. when u r all alone There is a place to lighten ur mood n forget lonelinessCLICK FOR SMILES

      Delete
  5. Unknown1 February 2015 at 11:38

    Haven't seen them as well, but they sure look lovely.

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    Replies
    1. Princyd1 February 2015 at 16:20

      I have also never seen them, are the sales restricted to Lagos only ??? Just asking
      But it's a wonderful talent & they look so adorable

      Delete
  6. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 11:39

    Yes I know them.bought several times for daughter,niece,friends daughter etc

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  7. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 11:41

    Way to go! Let's show them that black is beautiful. God bless your work.

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  8. SANDRA1 February 2015 at 11:41

    Awwww I love this, they re even more beautiful than d whites

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    Replies
    1. Uju1 February 2015 at 13:04

      So very true,I mean this is mind blowing,so so creative and lovely.

      Delete
  9. Unknown1 February 2015 at 11:42

    Woooooooooooooow!!!!! Creative,original and undeniably beautiful!!! I'll get one for my lovely dovey lil sisters!!

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    Replies
    1. fresh emmy1 February 2015 at 17:52

      And I suppose ur 'lil sisters' will share 'one'? Pathetic

      Delete
    2. Unknown2 February 2015 at 00:26

      Well if he can afford only one, let him get it. As his pocket permits pls.

      Delete
  10. Unknown1 February 2015 at 11:42

    Oh Wow, isn't this so Amazing?? Nice One Brov.
    .
    .
    .
    .NOTE: Raise Your Words, Not Your Voice. It Is Rain That Grows Flowers, Not Thunder..

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  11. Unknown1 February 2015 at 11:43

    Me likey.

    Shalom in Nigeria, Amen.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Unknown1 February 2015 at 11:43

    I love this!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 11:43

    We'v got it in Us. All we need is a supportive environment

    LIB's Last Born

    ReplyDelete
  14. cutestlove1 February 2015 at 11:43

    Wow this is lovely....i love his dream.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Unknown1 February 2015 at 11:45

    Nice one!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Unknown1 February 2015 at 11:45

    U just have to think outside the box @time. Creativity rules the world. Nice job from him

    ReplyDelete
  17. Unknown1 February 2015 at 11:47

    Naija I hail thee.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Unknown1 February 2015 at 11:48

    Buhari is an evil old man.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 12:48

      Just like your father is.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 13:00

      Mumu

      Delete
    3. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 13:20

      You are hopeless.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 14:11

      Over dolls" matter? Na wa for una o!

      Delete
    5. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 15:41

      Yes he is evil. He pardoned corrupt convicts, he is sponsored by ibori. He did nothing about about Boko haram. He refused to find the missing girls. He said stealing Nigerians money is not corruption so that $20bn is gone. Oh sorry that's your father GEJ.

      Delete
  19. oiza1 February 2015 at 11:49

    thats nice and inovative!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Unknown1 February 2015 at 11:49

    Wow!!! Lovely!! Dis is very creative, pls bring it down 2 9ja

    ReplyDelete
  21. SMURF1 February 2015 at 11:50

    That's a Good innovation, and thank God he didn't limit himself to only what men can do, cos some people in Nigeria would say men are not supposed to play with dolls and all!! Congrats.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Unknown1 February 2015 at 11:51

    Real talent. Awesome. Hardwork pays

    ReplyDelete
  23. Unknown1 February 2015 at 11:53

    Oyinbo people & their jealous mindset. Not to worry, Okoya. God go bring your own customers. Linda take note!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 17:20

      Grow up fool with dis ur take note of a tin

      Delete
  24. Unknown1 February 2015 at 11:53

    Nice.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 11:56

    All i see is that the man is soo fine..

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  26. Unknown1 February 2015 at 11:57

    We are talentedly blessed in Africa!









    OKORO UPGRADED **

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  27. APPLE1 February 2015 at 11:58

    Damn!! They are so beautiful!

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  28. ary1 February 2015 at 12:03

    Why can't he sell em in main stream stores in America?! I must say this is the first time I am hearing about the African dolls but I have seen the African barbie.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Unknown1 February 2015 at 12:03

    MR EDDY said this heat wan kill person o.
    Wow. These are so lovely.

    ^
    ^
    ^™THAT EDO BOY.COM~

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  30. Unknown1 February 2015 at 12:07

    Awwwwww... So lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Unknown1 February 2015 at 12:08

    Awwwwww... So lovely. At least children will learn that not only lightskined people are beautiful.

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  32. Unknown1 February 2015 at 12:08

    This is really lovely! I must confess this Queens of Africa fashion is d bomb

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  33. Unknown1 February 2015 at 12:08

    Very ingenious indeed.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Unknown1 February 2015 at 12:10

    £4.5 ??? Wow!! That's some dough.....I still prefer barbie though


    ••••••QUEENMAYA•••••••

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown1 February 2015 at 16:58

      Imagine!!!! Nigerians hardly accept good things. DISAPPOINTED!

      Delete
  35. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 12:15

    How can we get the dolls please

    ReplyDelete
  36. *Dee*1 February 2015 at 12:18

    Wow, this is creativity

    ReplyDelete
  37. Juleslouis1 February 2015 at 12:19

    Whites, racists since 201BD. Nice invention. All these oversabi whites that thinks blacks can't invent anything. Ntoorrrr

    ReplyDelete
  38. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 12:19

    lovely dolls indeed. great idea.

    pls visit my very entertaining blog...

    Liflblog.WordPress.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Unknown1 February 2015 at 12:24

    This is Very cool!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Unknown1 February 2015 at 12:25

    Wao.....it's a good thing to think out of the box. This is inspiring.





    Busy Fingers.

    ReplyDelete
  41. @MEETD®EALEVANS™1 February 2015 at 12:27

    Creative Minds

    ReplyDelete
  42. Unknown1 February 2015 at 12:27

    Very innovative and creative at the same promoting African culture n heritage.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 12:29

    Nice 1

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  44. Chikaka1 February 2015 at 12:34

    Good job, Taofick. There's no point waiting for Daddy Dearest to give you crumbs. Make your own money. Ingenious idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 13:30

      Lol. Was going to say the same thing at Chikaka. He looks very different in that pic though.

      Delete
  45. Unknown1 February 2015 at 12:36

    Wow! I love creativity. No dulling. All you need do is give it a shot. Awesome work.! ~ ceze

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  46. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 12:36

    Wow....i'm so proud of this. nice one samuel_augustina@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Humphrey1 February 2015 at 12:38

    Nice i love it

    ReplyDelete
  48. Unknown1 February 2015 at 12:46

    Nice one..It really looks good........................#KingOfKings #6God

    ReplyDelete
  49. Unknown1 February 2015 at 12:54

    nice one
    keep it up






    #Commenting thru Glo 4G LTE

    ReplyDelete
  50. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 12:55

    It's a nice concept, but he needs to work on the dolls' eyes so they're in colors usually found on black people.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Uju1 February 2015 at 13:06

    Sis Linda how do I get one please ???

    ReplyDelete
  52. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 13:07

    Linda, thank you for this story but where is his online presence? At least give us some kind of contact. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  53. ♥ ȊʦȋĘŗȟ Ę˜Ę¦Č‹Ļ» ♥1 February 2015 at 13:08

    Yea cin d dolls b4 nd dey luk 9ice bt linda hw com u neva hear of taofick okoya b4?

    ReplyDelete
  54. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 13:08

    Nice one. So proud of this. samuel_augustina@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. t-pel1 February 2015 at 13:09

    They are lovely. Proudly Nigeria

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  56. kiki1 February 2015 at 13:13

    Nice concept

    ReplyDelete
  57. Unknown1 February 2015 at 13:20

    I don't think it was coincidence, looking for a black doll and all for his niece. It was intended right from the start as a business venture. He is Rasaq Okoya's son. Smart business move, though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous2 February 2015 at 22:32

      Dt's exactly why he is d son. Creativity in d genes. Ideas rules d world. We shld learn to appreciate good innovations. Proudly Nija.

      Delete
  58. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 13:22

    Wow...What an Inspiration and creativity!

    ReplyDelete
  59. African foodstuff and Raw Materials1 February 2015 at 13:27

    Love these, am proud to be a Nigerian

    ReplyDelete
  60. Onyx's Girlfriend (he isn't gay pls)1 February 2015 at 13:33

    Creative. #happysunday

    ReplyDelete
  61. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 13:34

    Appealing 2d eyes **Ogelucy.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Kayode Awofeso1 February 2015 at 13:35

    they are nice
    .....

    ReplyDelete
  63. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 13:36

    Linda, thank you for this story but where is his online presence? At least give us some kind of contact. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Unknown1 February 2015 at 13:38

    Nigeria got talent..

    ReplyDelete
  65. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 13:59

    this is awesome, this is what Nigeria needs, we also need to learn how to patronize our own as well

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  66. Amaka.u.l1 February 2015 at 14:07

    Really nice

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  67. Unknown1 February 2015 at 14:28

    So creative! am happy for him.keep doing thing your Mr,

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  68. Unknown1 February 2015 at 14:39

    dey re lovely dear

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  69. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 15:15

    Linda but that's not taofick in the photo

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  70. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 15:24

    That's creativity! Telling us the black that black is beauty.

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  71. Unknown1 February 2015 at 16:12

    Wow! So impressive.

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  72. prettiyz1 February 2015 at 16:20

    This is what I called being creative,am really loving this

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  73. Subomi1 February 2015 at 16:46

    Fantastic!! We got very brilliant pees in this country

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  74. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 16:57

    Perfect n lovely, really looks better than the white barbie, this is creativity. Congrats man

    ReplyDelete
  75. Unknown1 February 2015 at 17:16

    Really nice...creative...

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  76. tessy1 February 2015 at 17:20

    I so love it, it's worth every dime sooooo cute some Americans will always find a way to tell u abt racism or inferiority complex is different ways

    ReplyDelete
  77. HAWT TALH WITH TOSAN1 February 2015 at 17:23

    WOW! Its about time for this. Our children need to start playing with dolls that look like them. He still need to work on the noses though as most Africans have broader ones. Good job

    ReplyDelete
  78. Anonymous1 February 2015 at 17:24

    Erm but that is not Taofik in the photo...

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  79. Unknown1 February 2015 at 17:59

    Lovely

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  80. Unknown1 February 2015 at 18:33

    So cool me like

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  81. Unknown1 February 2015 at 19:10

    Yeeeeeeeeesssss! Finally, good change. The prevalence of white dolls has contributed to the erosion of the sense of identity and self-esteem of blacks, starting unfortunately from as early as childhood. There's research out there supporting the fact and Oprah Winfrey has also spoken about it on one of her shows. Kudos Taofik

    ReplyDelete
  82. ebonyz...1 February 2015 at 23:00

    Not bad

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  83. Unknown1 February 2015 at 23:01

    Aww beautiful

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  84. Anonymous2 February 2015 at 00:11

    Very nice,but I think some of the dolls should have natural hair/Afro style instead of long braids. @ Bia Bia.

    ReplyDelete
  85. ~Guzeh~2 February 2015 at 01:54

    Great Concept #Naija nd proud!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Unknown2 February 2015 at 03:36

    yes oooo

    www.udokajane.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  87. Unknown2 February 2015 at 03:43

    woooooow.

    www.udokajane.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. Anonymous2 February 2015 at 07:36

    dat is Racism, why can't they grant him the opportunity to sell in USA

    ReplyDelete
  89. Anonymous2 February 2015 at 10:10

    Outselling barbie?!! And we are just hearing about it?! Hmm...!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Unknown2 February 2015 at 19:10

    Where can I buy one in the United States. bj472000@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. Unknown12 February 2015 at 09:47

    So creative......nice

    ReplyDelete
  92. jassica austin17 February 2016 at 11:59

    Wow ! what an interesting blog.Thanks for sharing this information.Your information is really informative for us. Nice blog on online shopping toys. Shop Online Dolls-and-Accessories

    ReplyDelete

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the comment writers alone and does not reflect or represent the views of Linda Ikeji.

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