Nigerian rapper and fashion entrepreneur Zlatan Ibile has weighed in on the ongoing trend of calling out individuals for wearing fake designer brands, condemning the act as unnecessary and unfair.

In a viral video, Zlatan highlighted the financial realities that lead people to opt for imitations, urging compassion and understanding rather than public shaming. “People wey dey buy fake, make dem dey buy am until dey get money to buy original. Person wey wear fake today, go wear original tomorrow,” Zlatan remarked, emphasizing that financial growth is a journey and not everyone can afford high-end fashion immediately.

Zlatan’s comments come on the heels of recent controversies within the Nigerian entertainment industry. Notably, fashion entrepreneur Rahman Jago recently called out veteran singer Oritse Femi for wearing counterfeit luxury brands. Similarly, Ashluxe boss Olayinka Ashogbon criticized singer Lyta for sporting fake versions of his clothing line.

While these public call-outs may seem trivial to some, they shed light on a deeper issue—the intersection of societal pressures, financial disparity, and the perceived importance of image in the entertainment industry.

Zlatan’s Advocacy for Empathy

Zlatan’s stance pushes back against this culture, advocating for empathy and patience as people navigate their financial realities. His comments serve as a reminder that success is a process and that today’s “fake” designer wearer could very well be tomorrow’s luxury shopper.

The rapper’s perspective resonates with a broader audience, especially in a country like Nigeria where societal expectations can often clash with individual financial realities. In an industry where image is often equated with success, Zlatan’s remarks provide a refreshing counter-narrative that prioritizes understanding over judgment.

Opinion: Fashion is a Journey, Not a Race

The obsession with high-end brands and the ridicule of those who cannot afford them reflects a troubling societal mindset that conflates wealth with worth. Fashion should be a means of self-expression, not a yardstick for measuring one’s social standing.

Zlatan’s advocacy encourages us to see beyond labels and embrace growth at every stage. As he aptly pointed out, the person wearing a knockoff today may very well own an original tomorrow. By fostering a culture of encouragement rather than ridicule, the entertainment industry can set a better example for its fans and the public at large.

Ultimately, Zlatan’s message is simple yet powerful: Let people live, grow, and thrive at their own pace. Mocking someone’s current reality only highlights a lack of empathy, not superiority. For a society aiming to inspire success, empathy and encouragement are far more effective tools than judgment.

What’s your take on Zlatan’s comments? Should celebrities and fashion enthusiasts rethink their approach to this issue?