Nigerian gospel singer Tope Alabi has recently changed her style. In a new video, the singer, who has always worn a very minimalist look, particularly in her earlier career, explains why she no longer wears wigs, necklaces, or earrings. Many people assumed that her decision to forgo these items was religious in nature, but Tope Alabi is now revealing the true reason for her decision.
Speaking about her decision to now begin wearing wigs and jewelry, Tope Alabi spoke candidly about it saying:
TOPE ALABI: I love fashion, but then, I did not have the money for it. God has not told me not to wear earrings, necklaces, or wigs, God did not direct the decision to cover my hair in church, it was my initiative.
It is intentional. I told myself I would cover my hair whenever I wanted to minister unless I was called to sing impromptu while wearing a wig.
In that case, I would not cover my hair. I am a dramatic person. If you see me in any video without earrings, know I decided not to wear them, as the song’s meaning did not require it. I am a theatre practitioner, so I understand what fits each music video.
I carefully choose my outfits to match the theme when I shoot my videos. People did not see me wearing big earrings in the past they did not know it was because I could not afford them. I simply made do with what I had.”
Why would I wear earrings when I am singing about hardship when the music video message requires me to cry and sit under a tree to portray suffering? Do suffering people wear earrings? Back then, I could not afford those earrings,
But as time passed, God started answering my prayers. My husband and I progressed gradually—we didn’t chase after things by force. Everything we achieved was by God’s grace. We cannot count more than two or three people who supported our ministry.
Now that God has favoured me and I can go to the market to buy the earrings I like, some people say I have become a worldly singer. They said I never wear earrings, but now I do. They even said my complexion had changed, that I was fair, and that I was dark before. Are they my parents? Do they know that hardship can make someone lose their natural skin tone?