Tope Alabi: Why I now wear jewellery, wigs

Tope Alabi, the Nigerian gospel singer, has opened up about her recent change in fashion choices. 

In now-viral video, Alabi, known for her minimalist style early in her career, disclosed that she has always loved fashion but couldn’t afford it initially.

She stressed that God never instructed her not to wear wigs, earrings, or necklaces; she simply couldn’t afford them at the time.

The 54-year-old singer also clarified that covering her hair during ministrations was a personal conviction, which she intends to continue, except in cases of impromptu performances.

She explained that her choice of attire for music videos depends on the theme and message of the song.

“I love fashion, but then, I do not have the money for it. God has not told me not to wear earrings, necklaces, or wigs, God did not direct the decision to cover my hair in church, it was my initiative,” she said.

“It is intentional. I told myself I would cover my hair whenever I wanted to minister unless I was called to sing impromptu while wearing a wig.

“In that case, I would not cover my hair. I am a dramatic person. If you see me in any video without earrings, know I decided not to wear them, as the song’s meaning did not require it. I am a theatre practitioner, so I understand what fits each music video.

“I carefully choose my outfits to match the theme when I shoot my videos. People did not see me wearing big earrings in the past they did not know it was because I could not afford them. I simply made do with what I had.”

Alabi also refuted claims that she has become a “worldly” singer due to her new fashion sense.

She questioned why she would wear earrings in a music video that portrays suffering, asking, “Do suffering people wear earrings?”

“Why would I wear earrings when I am singing about hardship when the music video message requires me to cry and sit under a tree to portray suffering? Do suffering people wear earrings? Back then, I could not afford those earrings,” she said.

“But as time passed, God started answering my prayers. My husband and I progressed gradually—we didn’t chase after things by force. Everything we achieved was by God’s grace. We cannot count more than two or three people who supported our ministry.

“Now that God has favoured me and I can go to the market to buy the earrings I like, some people say I have become a worldly singer. They said I never wear earrings, but now I do. They even said my complexion had changed, that I was fair, and that I was dark before. Are they my parents? Do they know that hardship can make someone lose their natural skin tone?”.