NIGERIA: Content Creator Asherkine Addresses Backlash, Denies Staging Viral Video

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Popular Nigerian content creator Asherkine has responded to growing online criticism and allegations that his recent video featuring a woman he met at a canteen in Ogun State was staged.

The video, which showed him flying Chiamaka Clare to Cape Town, South Africa, for a post-Valentine’s Day experience, initially drew praise for its heartwarming gesture but later sparked skepticism and accusations of scripting.

Asherkine met Chiamaka at a local canteen, treated her to a shopping spree, gifts, and dinner in Lagos, then surprised her with a fully paid trip to Cape Town, documenting their outings in the city.

However, social media users questioned the authenticity, pointing to Chiamaka’s online presence as a model and interior decorator who had recently travelled abroad, claiming it did not match the image of a “simple canteen worker.”

In a lengthy post on X, Asherkine dismissed the claims and defended Chiamaka against unfair stereotypes. He argued that critics were judging based on appearance, refusing to accept that a young, well-presented 21-year-old woman could work at a canteen while building her life.

He wrote that she has a sister in Lagos, it is a two-hour drive, and she is simply trying to make a way for herself.

Asherkine shared his own journey to counter the narrative, stating that he was 17 filming entertainers at events to chase opportunities from the University of Lagos and was 20 juggling multiple locations after graduation to document artists until he secured paid work with Yhemolee, including filming Olamide and Asake’s “Omo Ope.”

He clarified that the video events spanned over a week after their first meeting, not a single day or 48-hour livestream as some assumed.

The content creator emphasised that he would not allow “silly takes” or agenda-driven criticism to undermine Chiamaka or his work.

He maintained that the video was genuine and part of his consistent style of documenting real-life philanthropic moments.

The controversy has reignited debate about authenticity in social media philanthropy content, with some users continuing to question similar past videos by Asherkine.

No further response has been received from Chiam

aka Clare on the matter.