American rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine has ignited a firestorm of criticism from Nigerians worldwide after his disparaging review of iconic national dishes in a recently surfaced video. The controversial artist, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, sampled Nigerian jollof rice, fufu, and egusi soup for the first time, delivering a verdict that has been widely condemned as offensive and culturally insensitive.
The Viral Tasting and the Controversial Verdict
The video, which began circulating online around December 20, 2025, shows 6ix9ine seated before a spread of classic Nigerian meals. The table was laden with plates of jollof rice, pounded yam fufu, a pot of egusi soup, and assorted proteins including chicken, beef, and fish. A Nigerian host guided him through the tasting process.
As the rapper dipped a piece of fufu into the rich egusi soup and took his first bite, his face immediately contorted in apparent discomfort. He was heard muttering "Oh sh!t" while his host laughed nearby. Throughout the tasting, his reactions were exaggerated, shaking his head at points, though he also licked his fingers, suggesting a moment of possible enjoyment.
However, when asked for his final verdict on the food, 6ix9ine did not hold back. He bluntly declared, "Trash… sh!t trash." This single comment became the catalyst for widespread outrage.
Nigerian Netizens React with Fury and Wit
The clip spread rapidly across social media platforms like YouTube and X (formerly Twitter), drawing immediate and passionate responses from Nigerians who felt their culinary heritage had been insulted. Jollof rice and fufu are more than just meals; they are cherished staples deeply woven into the nation's cultural fabric.
Many social media users accused 6ix9ine of outright disrespect. User @GMaseoGenesis commented, "He's really being disrespectful to the culture... Black ppl don't even know when they are being disrespected anymore. Everything is a joke."
Others used humor and sharp critique to counter his review. @david_abola pointed to the rapper's diet, stating, "Person weh don chop junk all him life, what do you expect... Btw America has the worst food ever." @IyelolaIge offered a pointed take: "Bro came to Nigeria, tried real food and called it trash? That's not the food, that's your taste buds still recovering from all that jail food."
Some, like @djtoxiq_ and @DeedeeTheLeo, questioned the quality of the specific food served, suggesting that not all diaspora restaurants or home cooks perfectly represent Nigerian cuisine's authentic taste.
A Pattern of Provocation and Cultural Context
This incident is part of a broader trend where foreign content creators film their first reactions to African foods, often generating strong online engagement through shock or criticism. For 6ix9ine, this is not an isolated event. The rapper has a history of posting similar food challenge videos, including ones where he sampled Indian street food and offered equally harsh critiques.
Tekashi 6ix9ine first rose to fame in 2017 with hits like "Gummo" but later became better known for his legal troubles and his status as a controversial online figure. Since his release from prison in 2020, he has frequently stirred public debate with his actions and statements.
The controversy also touches on the passionate regional debate surrounding jollof rice. In related news, former Minister of Information Lai Mohammed recently commented on the dish's origins during a Channels Television interview on December 23, 2025. He explained that the name 'jollof' derives from the Senegalese "Wollof" people, where it originated as a one-pot meal for prisoners, adding another layer to the ongoing friendly rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana over whose jollof is superior.
The strong reaction to 6ix9ine's review underscores the deep pride Nigerians have in their cuisine and culture. It highlights a clear boundary: while honest opinions on food are acceptable, dismissive and derogatory language directed at culturally significant dishes is perceived as an affront to national identity and heritage itself.
