Actress Beverly Naya has opened up about the personal mission behind her 2019 documentary 'Skin', explaining that the project was driven by a desire to push conversations about colourism into the mainstream and encourage Nigerians to take pride in their natural skin tone. In a recent interview with One54 Africa, Naya described colourism and skin bleaching as deeply rooted problems in Nigerian society, pointing to a striking statistic to illustrate how widespread the issue remains.
77% of Nigerian Women Bleach Their Skin
According to Naya, 77% of Nigerian women bleach their skin. 'When you think about it, it takes you back to slavery because we are still being divided. There is this hierarchy of beauty where the lighter you are, the better,' she said. The actress stressed that colourism is a form of discrimination that has persisted for generations, often without a proper name or understanding.
Why Naya Felt 'Skin' Was Necessary
Naya recalled that when she first began developing the project, colourism was almost never spoken about openly, even though dark-skinned Nigerians regularly faced discrimination and hurtful language. 'People could look at a dark person and say, "Blackie," and it was derogatory and offensive, but there was nothing to define what that act was. It was colourism, and they didn't know what it was,' she said. The documentary was intended to serve as both an educational resource and an emotional push towards self-acceptance, shining a light on the health dangers tied to bleaching products while also humanising those affected by these social pressures.
'I was able to shine some light on colourism, what it is and how it is affecting Nigerians. The whole idea was just to inspire people to love the complexion they are in and appreciate themselves for who they are,' Naya added.
The Impact of Netflix Release Timing
Naya also reflected on the moment 'Skin' landed on Netflix, noting that its arrival coincided with a period of intense global attention on race and anti-Black discrimination. 'It came out on Netflix literally two weeks after George Floyd died. So many people watched it, and the impact was insane,' she said. The timing amplified the documentary's reach and relevance, sparking conversations about colourism not only in Nigeria but also worldwide.
The documentary explores the historical roots of colourism, tracing it back to colonialism and slavery, and examines how these attitudes continue to affect Nigerian society today. Naya hopes that 'Skin' will encourage viewers to embrace their natural complexion and reject harmful beauty standards.
Broader Context of Colorism in Nigeria
Colourism remains a pervasive issue in Nigeria, where lighter skin is often associated with beauty, success, and social status. The use of skin-bleaching products is widespread, despite known health risks such as skin cancer, kidney damage, and mercury poisoning. Naya's documentary adds to a growing body of work that challenges these norms and promotes self-acceptance.
Fans have praised Naya for using her platform to address this sensitive topic. The documentary has been widely shared on social media, with many viewers expressing gratitude for the conversation it has sparked. Naya continues to advocate for colourism awareness through public speaking and community engagements.
In related news, actress Nkiru Sylvanus recently celebrated her traditional wedding to her beau, Sammy Riches, drawing reactions from fans and fellow celebrities. The event highlighted the vibrancy of Nigerian wedding traditions and the support within the entertainment industry.
