First-Ever Albinism Pageant Expands Beauty Representation in Nigeria

Beauty has long been defined by narrow stereotypes — from skin tone to body size, height, and other physical characteristics. Those who don't fit into these stereotypes are often disregarded, while those who even come close to these exclusionary standards sometimes struggle to find their place, especially in the fashion industry. This makes it even harder for people in marginalized communities to be adequately represented.

In Nigeria, beauty advocate Misturah Owolabi is challenging these stereotypes by “rewriting representation” with her model agency, Misty Glam Company. Founded in 2022, the agency has diverse models in its roster, representing Nigerian women with albinism, vitiligo, tribal marks, dwarfism, as well as disabled people. According to Owolabi, this approach ensures that diversity and representation in the fashion and beauty industry extend beyond tokenism. 

“A lot of Nigerian brands and organizations are yet to be inclusive. They only reach out for talent when they want to run their performative [CSR] campaigns,” She tells OkayAfrica, “So it's been a journey for us to ensure that brands recognize the potential of unconventional talents.”

This September, the agency partnered with the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) to ensure proper representation of people with albinism.

Albinism is a hereditary genetic non-contagious condition, which can be inherited from one or both parents. It is a lack of melanin in the body, including the skin, eyes, and hair, making persons with albinism react to bright lights or direct sunlight, leading to visual or skin discomfort. 

Tolani Ojuri, Lagos State Chairman of AAN, says the association ensures that persons with albinism feel fully accepted in society by partaking in various projects. However, advocacy is important because it helps people with albinism know how to care for their skin. 

“The association ensures that people with albinism can speak with one voice and channel our energy towards projects that help us be better. We know we can’t do this alone; that is why working with Misty Glam Company is something we took on,” Ojuri says. “We are also particular about letting everyone with albinism know we’re available to enlighten them on the right way to take care of themselves to prevent skin cancer, which includes wearing protective clothing and hats, using umbrellas on sunny days, and using sunscreen.” Ojuri’s statement echoes this UN report.

Last weekend, Misty Glam Company hosted Nigeria’s first albinism pageant, practicing its advocacy for unconventional talents. Ten contestants vied to become the first albinism advocacy queen, and disabled people also walked the runway in Lagos, Nigeria.