Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
WHEN international streamer, IShowSpeed, stepped onto Zimbabwean streets and casually uttered the word “Wakanaka”, Shona expression for “you are beautiful”, a fortnight ago, he did not intend to ignite a national conversation.
Yet within hours, the clip ricocheted across social media platforms, replayed in WhatsApp groups, stitched into TikTok videos and debated on radio talk shows.
A fleeting, unscripted exchange at a fast-food outlet in Harare unexpectedly birthed one of Zimbabwe’s most talked-about viral moments.
Initially, IShowSpeed tried to strike up a conversation in English with a young woman who was sitting in a corner alone, but the attempt faltered – she later confessed that she was not confident speaking English fluently.
Undeterred, he turned to a nearby young man and asked him how to say “you are beautiful” in Shona. The young man taught him the phrase “Wakanaka.”
Speed then turned back to the woman, repeated the word with a smile and the compliment landed naturally, captured perfectly on his livestream. While the international star had many socialites with heavy make-ups following him to draw his attention, their efforts yielded next to nothing. Effortlessly, no preparation and unaware, this lady struck the right code!
Within hours, the clip had spread like wildfire across social media platforms.
By the next day, the woman, who embraced the name Wakanaka Tear on social media. Her real name is Nyasha Chishiri. She became an overnight sensation, gaining tens of thousands of followers and drawing attention from brands eager to collaborate with her. This transformed a simple language lesson and casual compliment into a viral moment of recognition and affirmation. For many Zimbabwean women, the moment felt unexpectedly affirming.
For others, deeply unsettling.
Why, some asked, did it take an outsider to remind us of our beauty?
A mirror held up to society
Zimbabwe, like many African societies, has for decades wrestled with the tension between natural beauty and imported ideals.
Lighter skin, straighter hair and surgically enhanced features have often been presented, subtly and sometimes aggressively, as aspirational. In urban pharmacies and informal markets, skin-lightening creams line shelves, their promises written boldly: even tone, flawless glow, instant confidence.
On social media, filters blur pores and reshape noses, while influencers quietly promote cosmetic procedures abroad.
“When I first heard Wakanaka from him, it made me smile,” said Tear Wakanaka while unveiling her social media handle in a video online. But later I asked myself why that smile came so easily. Why do we not tell each other that enough?”
For her, the moment forced an uncomfortable self-reflection.
“We are used to being told we are not enough, not light enough, not slim enough, not polished enough. So when someone famous says otherwise, it feels powerful,” she said.
Validation and the psychology of worth
According to psychologist and researcher with the University of Zimbabwe, D Richaman Kokera, the reaction to the viral moment reveals more about collective self-esteem than celebrity culture.
“External validation carries weight when internal confidence has been systematically eroded,” she said.
“Historically, colonial narratives and modern media have positioned African features as inferior.
“Over time, that messaging becomes internalised.”
Dzikira noted that affirmation from an outsider, especially one perceived as globally influential, can momentarily override years of negative conditioning.
“But it is fragile,” she cautioned.
“If confidence is built only on external approval, it collapses the moment that approval disappears.”
The hidden costs of chasing perfection
Beyond the emotional toll, health professionals warn of physical consequences linked to the pursuit of unrealistic beauty standards.
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), at least four out of five black women use skin or hair products that may pose health risks.
In one major study, nearly 34 000 women in the United States aged 35 to 74, who regularly used hair products such as relaxers, dyes, straighteners and perms, were diagnosed with cancer.
“We estimated that 1,64 percent of women who never used hair straighteners would go on to develop uterine cancer by age 70,” said the study leader, Dr Alexandra White.
“For frequent users, that risk rises to 4,05 percent.”
The study also warned that some hair products contain chemicals such as formaldehyde, which can be absorbed through the scalp and mimic oestrogen in the body. Locally, regulators say similar dangers cannot be ignored.
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has raised concern over the growing number of unregulated beauty treatments.
“The authority has noted with concern that several beauty salons, wellness and beauty shops are offering all kinds of beauty enhancements,” said MCAZ public relations and communications manager, Mr Davison Kaiyo.
Of particular concern, he said, is the use of injectable skin-lightening agents such as glutathione.
“Side effects include toxic effects on the liver, kidneys and nervous system,” Mr Kaiyo said.
“These may also include severe skin reactions, allergic responses and neurological disorders.”
MCAZ warned that selling or administering unregistered medicines is a criminal offence.
Personal fears, personal choices
For some women, the warnings have triggered anxiety. Maud Chikurune, an avid user of beauty products, said the reports unsettled her.
“I have never had any problems,” she said.
“But my worry is that complications may develop later in life. I am planning to go for a cancer screening.”
Sunningdale-based Mai Panashe said she has experienced scalp sores from relaxers.
“I have been using relaxers for six years. The main problem has been sores on my scalp,” she said.
“Each time I react, I change brands.”
Chenai Ziyemba shares similar concerns.
“Every time I use a tinting chemical, my scalp itches,” she said.
“When I scratch, pimples appear. I now wonder if something more serious could develop.”
Medical caution, not panic
Local medical experts urge balance rather than fear.
General practitioner, Dr Takunda Wingwiri, said international studies should be read carefully.
“There is a need for broader research across races and environments,” he said.
“The goal should be informed caution, not panic.”
