Renowned gospel singer, Shola Allyson, has weighed in on a growing concern about how the Yoruba language is often misrepresented in popular media, especially in movies. In a recent post on Twitter, she shared her thoughts on the perception of Yoruba expressions, lamenting that many now associate the language with negativity and witchcraft due to the portrayal of its rich, poetic terms as “diabolic incantations” in films.
The comment, which was originally made by Twitter user the Rayo Kasali, sparked a lively discussion online. The user wrote: “Movies have ruined the perception of our language. Everything Yoruba that sounds poetic and heavy is a diabolic incantation to these unaware folks,” criticizing the harmful impact films have had on how the Yoruba language is viewed, particularly by younger generations who may not fully understand its cultural depth.
In response, Shola Allyson, a passionate advocate for Yoruba culture and language, reposted the tweet on her own handle, adding her voice to the conversation. She expressed concern that many Yoruba words, which are deeply rooted in tradition, spirituality, and wisdom, have been sensationalized and distorted by the entertainment industry to fit stereotypes. These portrayals often make words that are poetic, rich, or spiritual seem ominous or malevolent, leading to a skewed perception among audiences unfamiliar with the language’s true meaning.
“The depth and beauty of Yoruba culture are being misrepresented,” Allyson wrote in her repost. “What was once a tool for communication, healing, and expression is now often seen as something dark and sinister. We need to correct this narrative and help people understand the real essence of our language.”
The conversation, which gained traction quickly on Twitter, has sparked debates across the platform. Many Yoruba speakers, including cultural experts and language advocates, joined in to share their experiences of how the language is often misunderstood, particularly in films and television shows. Some noted that even phrases that were once used in day-to-day life are now viewed with suspicion due to their portrayal in movies, which often associate certain Yoruba words with curses or black magic.
This issue of language misrepresentation in the media is not new. Many cultural experts have long criticized how African languages, including Yoruba, are often used in films to reinforce negative stereotypes, especially when it comes to depictions of traditional religions and spiritual practices.
As the conversation continues to unfold, Shola Allyson’s repost has shone a spotlight on the need for more authentic portrayals of African languages and cultures in the media. Many of her followers have expressed support for her stance, with some calling for a more responsible approach in the representation of Yoruba and other African languages, emphasizing their beauty, complexity, and cultural significance rather than reducing them to mere plot devices.
In the coming weeks, it remains to be seen if this discussion will lead to a broader movement aimed at reclaiming and preserving the integrity of African languages in mainstream media. For now, Shola Allyson’s candid reflection serves as a timely reminder of the power of language and the importance of safeguarding its true meaning.
