Actress Folake Olowofoyeku opens up about facing colorism in Nigeria, says she wasn’t called beautiful until she moved to America

Nollywood-born actress and Bob Hearts Abishola star, Folake Olowofoyeku, has spoken candidly about her experience growing up in Nigeria and how colorism shaped perceptions of beauty around her.

In a recent conversation, Folake revealed that while growing up, light-skinned girls were often regarded as more beautiful, a standard that affected how dark-skinned girls like herself were seen and treated.

According to the actress, she wasn’t consistently called “beautiful” until she relocated to the United States, where beauty standards felt broader and more inclusive.

Her comments sparked further discussion during the conversation, with comedian Godfrey adding cultural context. He claimed that in some Nigerian communities, people go as far as pinching babies’ noses, believing it would help them grow up with narrower, more Caucasian-like features.

Folake’s story has since reignited conversations online about colorism, colonial beauty standards, and self-worth, especially for young girls growing up in African societies.