Imagine sparking a global debate just by joking about language barriers in Africa—sounds innocent, right? But when Nigerian comedian Peller called Ivorians 'uneducated' for not speaking English, it ignited a firestorm of opinions that left everyone questioning cultural sensitivities and shared African identities.
This viral moment started with Peller, whose real name is Habeeb Hamzat, a popular streamer and TikToker from Nigeria. In a lighthearted video that quickly spread across social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), he shared his excitement—and slight anxiety—about an upcoming trip to Ivory Coast, a West African nation where French is the official language. To bridge the communication gap, Peller humorously announced his plan to invest in AirPods equipped with real-time translation features. 'I'll grab some AirPods that can translate what locals say into English for me,' he quipped, adding that the people there 'don't understand English' and are 'uneducated like me.' It was meant as self-deprecating humor, poking fun at his own perceived shortcomings while highlighting a common challenge in multilingual Africa.
But here's where it gets controversial: Was this just harmless comedy, or did it cross into disrespectful territory by stereotyping an entire nation?
Peller elaborated in the video, drawing parallels to his experiences in Nigeria, where he's often teased for his English skills. 'In Nigeria, they call me out for not speaking proper English, saying I'm uneducated,' he explained. 'But look, everyone in Africa is like me—we all face similar struggles. If you judge everyone from Africa as uneducated, we're all in the same boat. Africa is united in this way.' This attempt to foster a sense of pan-African solidarity through shared linguistic hurdles resonated with some, who saw it as a clever satire on colonial legacies and the dominance of European languages on the continent. For beginners diving into this topic, it's worth noting that Africa's linguistic landscape is incredibly diverse: while English is widely spoken in countries like Nigeria due to British colonial history, French holds sway in places like Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Cameroon from French influence. Many Africans are multilingual, fluently navigating local languages alongside colonial ones—think of Dioula or Baoulé in Ivory Coast, which add layers to everyday communication.
The video exploded in popularity, amassing views and sparking heated discussions. Some viewers cracked up, appreciating Peller's comedic style as a breath of fresh air in the often serious world of social media. Others, however, slammed it as insensitive, arguing it perpetuated harmful stereotypes about education and intelligence. Ivory Coast, after all, is a Francophone country, meaning French is the primary language for government, education, and business, not English. While English isn't uncommon among educated elites or in urban areas, expecting universal fluency ignores the country's colonial history and linguistic priorities. To put it simply, it's like assuming everyone in a Spanish-speaking country like Mexico should know Mandarin—it's not realistic, and it overlooks the value of diverse language skills.
And this is the part most people miss: Peller's comment subtly challenges the idea that English proficiency equals education, inviting us to rethink how we measure intelligence in a globalized world.
Netizens flooded the comments with a mix of laughter and criticism. One user, @Tapto_earn, pointed out the irony: 'It's hilarious how he labels others as uneducated for not speaking English, while confessing he's uneducated too. Perhaps the real issue isn't language, but misplaced pride.' @missangeljames chimed in pragmatically: 'Why would they speak English? It's a French-speaking nation!' @kingSolomon76 expressed dislike for Peller, noting, 'I don't like this guy, but seriously, they speak French in Ivory Coast! He's setting a bad example for young people by implying education isn't important.' @nettibabe highlighted the contrast: 'Calling Ivory Coast illiterate ignores that it's Francophone—how can they be expected to know English? Meanwhile, Nigeria is an English-speaking country, so there's no excuse there.' @TheQuicksandxo laughed it off: 'Illiteracy makes you think anyone who can't speak English is illiterate 🤣😂🤣.' @kryptoshadows asked pointedly, 'Who's going to break it to him that their official language is French, not English?' And @AkinkunmiM80214 called him out: 'You're the uneducated one here because their official language is French.'
Adding another layer to Peller's public persona, a previous Legit.ng report revealed his emotional side. In a touching TikTok video, the 19-year-old streamer opened up about the heavy burden of being his family's sole breadwinner. He shared how this responsibility at such a young age made him reluctant to visit home, even expressing a desire to 'run away' from the pressure. This disclosure stirred empathy and debate among Nigerians, showcasing the human struggles behind the comedy.
In the end, Peller's video isn't just about a trip or translation gadgets—it's a mirror reflecting broader questions about language, identity, and respect in Africa. Do you think his humor unites or divides? Is it fair to equate language skills with education, or should we celebrate Africa's linguistic diversity instead? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with the critics, or see it as harmless fun? Let's discuss!
Source: Legit.ng
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