Nigerian model Adetutu Alabi – with tribal marks challenges stereotypes

“People were like where can you see that in this country and my friends on social media kept mentioning my name, that Adetutu wants to be a model and she has tribal marks. So I started in 2017, from there people come to my inbox to tell me how they can’t come out because of their tribal marks, how they conceal it. So I said no, this is something we need to speak out for, so I just started posting more and saying more of my aspirations.”

Facial scarification like Adetutu’s is achieved by either cutting or burning the skin. The marks are used to denote the bearer’s tribe or family and thought to enhance beauty.

“I don’t have any regret about my tribal marks again since I found myself and loved myself, that is it. I don’t have any regret any more because as far as I have accepted it that it is a cultural thing and a thing that was a part of the African heritage, no, it has been done,” said the aspiring international model.

However, modelling agent Joan Okorodudu noted that the local market isn’t large – or diversified – enough yet for Adetutu’s unique look. “In Johannesburg or a country where people get booked you know like, for adverts. But here it is very difficult, we don’t have major companies that will use people like her, I am hoping that one of these days that you can look at someone like Adetutu and then call, get the booker say they want to use her.”