Former Big Brother Naija star Ifeyinwa Adewunmi Okafor, known as Ivatar, has publicly confronted the harsh misconceptions tied to her career as a video vixen.
Speaking to Pulse Nigeria, she exposed the damaging stereotypes that paint women in her profession as immoral or promiscuous.
Misjudged for Her Craft
Ivatar revealed that many people wrongfully assume video vixens like her exchange sexual favors or lack dignity due to their appearance in music videos.
“Not all of us are ashawo,” she said emphatically on Thursday, September 11.
She explained how this stigma strips many female performers of respect, reducing their professional art to baseless judgments.
The industry often equates professionalism in this space with loose morals, a stereotype Ivatar is determined to dismantle.
“They always feel like we lose our dignity to the artist or because of what we do,” she said.
The perception that video vixens ‘sleep around’ is a damaging myth that she vehemently rejects.
The Reality Behind the Role
Ivatar highlighted the true essence of her work, which requires confidence, skillful movement, and the ability to bring music to life visually.
“Being a video vixen is about confidence, movement, and giving life to a song,” she said.
She stressed that her role is a job, not a reflection of her personal life or who she dates.
“People think it’s about who you’re dating or what happens behind the scenes, but that’s inaccurate,” the former reality TV star stated.
Her comments underscore how female artists in Nigeria’s entertainment industry face an uneven playing field.
While male producers or performers rarely face public moral policing, women often bear the brunt of scrutiny.
A Cultural Tug of War
Nigeria’s entertainment industry exists within a conservative society that frequently judges artistic expression under a harsh moral lens.
Video vixens, dancers, and models play vital roles in music videos’ storytelling, yet some members of the public dismiss these roles as nothing more than sexual objectification.
Ivatar’s bold words shed light on the deep-rooted cultural struggle where art clashes with societal expectations.
Her candidness challenges the public to rethink their biases about women who occupy spaces often misunderstood or stigmatized.
Ivatar’s Fight to Change the Narrative
She wants her profession recognized as a legitimate branch of the performance arts one that fosters creativity and offers career growth.
“This is a serious job,” she insisted.
Her insistence on professionalism aims to inspire young women who might hesitate entering entertainment careers due to fear of judgment or mislabeling.
The Online Reaction: Support and Debate
Ivatar’s interview has sparked intense discussions across social media.
Fans commend her bravery in addressing taboo topics and confronting societal prejudice.
Many argue her honesty highlights the broader challenge Nigerian women struggle with when breaking free from traditional stereotypes.
On platforms like X and Facebook, debates rage on about separating an artist’s work from their private life.
Calls for societal evolution emphasize the need to respect creative expression without attaching moral assumptions.
Gender Bias in Nigeria’s Creative Space
Industry observers argue Ivatar’s statements expose glaring gender bias.
Women performers endure scrutiny over every artistic choice, much more than their male counterparts.
This double standard harms talent development and limits diversity in creative industries.
By speaking openly, Ivatar seeks to prompt meaningful conversations about equality and respect for women in entertainment.
She hopes honest dialogue will help dismantle outdated stigmas and foster a more inclusive industry culture.
Empowering the Next Generation
She encourages them to pursue their ambitions without fear of being unfairly judged based on stereotypes linked to their roles or appearance.
Respect for women in creative fields, Ivatar believes, hinges on public awareness of the distinction between on-screen performance and personal identity.
Her push for understanding challenges Nigeria’s cultural norms and seeks long-term change.
