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Rutendo Chidawanyika
SLAY queens are the latest trend on social media and its crazy. For the past weeks twitter has been roasting the slay queens using the hashtag #things slay queens do. When we started using the term ‘‘slay queen’’ it seemed as though it was an admirable thing and we all aspired to be slay queens. I wouldn’t really compare to the Kardashians because we are quite far from that lifestyle, I’d talk of Pokello, Huddah (Kenya), Charity Baaitse (Botswana) or even Thick Leyonce (SA). These ladies have a huge following on social media, they live extravagant lives, they work for their money and we believe they are who we see on Instagram, right? Does this make them slay queens?
What exactly is a slay queen? According to the urban dictionary these are girls who do not come from a wealthy background but appear as if they do.
They use malicious acts to attain cash, drink expensive alcohol, and procure expensive cellphones. Just from the definition it doesn’t sound like a good thing. Twitter had a lot to say on this matter, ‘‘slay queens are women who want to live a certain lifestyle that they cannot afford’’. They are under pressure to seem put together all day every day; Peruvian weave 20-inch, manicure on point, clothes and shoes should be an expensive label (Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors) and the make-up will be so perfect you would swear they have a personal MUA (make-up artist) who does their face every day.
With the above descriptions it would be offensive to call celebrities slay queens simply because they afford the life they live. The cause of all this is SOCIAL MEDIA. Most feel if Bonang Matheba or Rihanna can do it, why can’t I? Well, you can’t because your funds will not allow you to. The only option you have is to borrow clothes and shoes to take pictures for Facebook just to show people it’s going well, but if it’s going so well you don’t really need to post a bottle of Moet (just saying). Slay queens are not employed but rest assured they will turn up every weekend.
Seeing the success or ‘‘slayage’’ of other women on Instagram does have an effect on people. The more extravagant you are, the more likes and followers you get. Those who cannot afford the life will create ways to make it appear as if so. From what you drink, what you wear, what you drive, where you dine, to your long fleek weave.
Characteristics of slay queens
1. They live on their phones. They are obsessed with taking pictures and hash-tagging every moment. They check how many likes, follows and comments they are getting on photos and updates. Their airtime is NOT for calling but for data bundles.
2. Up-to-date on the latest fashion trends. Hair, nails done to perfection all the time. They know where to shop and where to find ‘‘affordable’’ clothes with the right labels.
3. Love to party. Partying is necessary and any given opportunity to do so will not be turned down. This is what they live for; best time to update Snapchat and Instagram while they pop champagne and are dolled up.
4. They cannot leave the house without perfect make-up/ see people with no make-up on. There is make-up you know, then there is MAKE-UP! It looks so perfect as though you stepped off a magazine set. They would rather be caught dead than be seen without perfect make-up on.
5. They overshare on social media. We all use social media, we post, and we share and interact. However, it becomes too much when you keep posting about how sad you are, how fake friends are, how your puppy died and now you are depressed or how men are trash. It just makes you look like you want attention. (which of course is the aim, ATTENTION).
With all that being said, it makes you wonder if being a slay queen is an admirable thing. What happened to living the life you live and enjoying it, living within your means, working hard to earn the lush life of Balmain shoes and a Versace bag? Celebrities make money by posting on social media, they convert those likes to dollars and if that’s what slay queens are working towards then that’s ok. Nobody has a right to judge another person’s life style, TRUE! But don’t kill yourself trying to make strangers happy for likes.
If the slay queen life makes you happy then we are happy too and we will continue to like ’em posts.
Email: [email protected]. Social media: eye on fashion/ Rutendo Chidawanyika
Online Reporter