Ghanaian actor and entertainment pundit Big Akwes has sparked outrage online after a video of him making disparaging remarks about singer Cina Soul went viral.
His comments, made during an entertainment review show on Accra-based Max TV, have drawn heavy criticism from musicians, influencers, and social media users alike.
The controversy began when Big Akwes reacted to a video of Cina Soul dancing in a crop top and cargo pants.
While the video was one of the promotional video she has shot to promote her recent album, Big Akwes decided to only turn his focus on her attire, stating that it was inappropriate for her brand and body type.
Ghanaian singer Efya was among the first to voice her displeasure, calling out Max TV for allowing such commentary on their platform. Expressing her frustration on social media, she wrote, “This is so appalling!!! @maxtvgh, how are you allowing this on your channel?? We just celebrated Women’s Month!! Why are presenters speaking in such a derogatory manner towards an amazing, beautiful, thriving female artist??? Why!!!! This is uncalled for and disrespectful and unacceptable!!!!!!!!!”
https://twitter.com/EFYA_Nokturnal/status/1907050676489785442?t=J1nbn6N7dJIdR9nmtJfg-A&s=19
Fellow musician S3fa also weighed in, criticizing the female presenter on the show for remaining silent while Big Akwes openly ridiculed Cina Soul. “It’s the woman sitting there for me, laughing while men dissect another woman’s body and career on live TV. What right do you have to sit on national television and reduce an artist’s hard work to her outfit?” she asked.
https://twitter.com/s3fa_gh/status/1907071241548157132?t=UecYFDJuC6DfAfCLlsg8Pw&s=19
Social media influencer Ama Burland compared the incident to the treatment of the late musician Ebony Reigns, who faced relentless criticism before her untimely death in 2018. “This is what they did to Ebony, and when she died suddenly, she deserved Artiste of the Year. Such nonsense! You people will never learn. If you think a child is going wayward, is that how to correct them? Just straight-up insults and body shaming?” she posted.
https://twitter.com/ama__burland/status/1907061753990525015?t=4iKbrJ01QC4wu8TkqU0CVQ&s=19
Efia Odo also expressed her dismay, pointing out the hypocrisy of the entertainment industry. “Meanwhile, they’ve never played her song or promoted her in any type of way. Being old doesn’t mean you’re wise, ampa!” she wrote.
