The influence of social media and the quest for curvier bodies. Cosmetic surgeries are all the rage in West Africa, but in some cases, have also gone horribly wrong.
She had elected to go in for a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and spent months in preparation, researching doctors, reading reviews and watching influencer videos on YouTube.
She had the option of flying to Dubai for the procedure which would set her back by about $20,000 for a round trip, or alternatively, have it done in Lagos. Her local option was a new plastic surgery practice that promised competent doctors from the United States (US), full discretion and unbeatable value. Jennifer was offered a tummy tuck, back-lift and BBL, which would have typically cost $9,000, for free. All she had to do was post the new surgery on Instagram.
“We were very close, we had such a strong bond, everybody used to say we were twins. We shared everything. She was smart so we trusted that she knew what she was doing and although I was uncomfortable, I could understand the reasons why she wanted to go under the knife,” recalls Opeyemi, Jennifer’s sister.
Jennifer was gradually gaining popularity as a social media influencer with over 40,000 Instagram followers. She had just began a campaign for a swimwear brand that was paying her $200 per post on her Instagram page. The new posts began to go viral encouraging engagement on her page.
“If you are an influencer, you know just how important it is to go viral. One viral video or image could mean a boost in your social media following and that means more opportunities to make money. Jennifer already had a nice body, but the pressure of growing her account and social media influence got the better of her,” says Opeyemi.
Esta historia es de la edición July 2019 de Forbes Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July 2019 de Forbes Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
HIP-HOP'S HOTTEST HUSTLER
The Memphis rap star runs one of the biggest music labels, owns a piece of an MLS team and is looking to expand his empire like his billionaire mentor Jay-Z. But first, he's going to business school.
Kigali Triennial, The Ambitious New Event On The African Cultural Calendar
Rwanda has rightly earned the nickname of \"a land of a thousand hills and a thousand and one opportunities\" because of the country's impressive economic progress. However, after the recently-concluded celebration of arts which was the inaugural Kigali Triennial festival, you can now add culture to the list of things the country offers for tourists and investors.
The dark Side of AI
There is a thin line between innovation and abuse. A look at how large language models (LLMs) are making cyber-criminals even better at mastering the art of deception.
Gene Gamechanger
Disease-resistant crops? Cows that can withstand climate change? Here's how CRISPR is already transforming the continent, and why building a network of skilled scientists can help position Africa as a key global contributor in this frontier of crop development.
Women Empowerment And Transformation In Mining: A Distinctive Perspective
GMDC is a mining company that specializes in tungsten (wolfram) and operates in the city of Kigali, Nyarugenge District, Mageragere Sector.
How The Mining Sector Contributes To Community Development Initiatives
It plays a significant role in Rwanda's overall development, contributing to infrastructure, job creation, health, education, and even environmental conservation. It's not just about extracting resources; mining is mandated to build up the communities and nation alongside its operations.
Reflecting On 2023 Milestones And A Look Ahead
Last year solidified Rwanda's position as a prime African mining investment destination and a burgeoning hub for mineral value addition. What will 2024 hold?
Rwandan Mining Regulator Unveils Three-Year Mineral Exploration Campaign
A holistic approach to responsible mineral resource management in the country.
TASTING SUCCESS
Paul Siguqa has had an unlikely journey in the wine business in South Africa. His mother worked in the vineyards as a laborer during the apartheid era and now, his fully black-owned wine farm sells premium products.
Creating Stronger Communities In Africa Through Digital And Financial Inclusion
In Sub-Saharan Africa, a silent barrier to economic inclusion and social mobility persists: one in four adults lacks identification, according to a World Bank report.