‘I couldn’t afford jewelry, high fashion early in my career’ – Tope Alabi
By Tosin Brown
Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Tope Alabi, has revealed that her decision to avoid jewelry and high fashion early in her career was not based on divine instruction but financial constraints. She explained that at the time, she simply could not afford them.
In a recent video interview, Alabi stated that while she has always loved fashion, she initially had to make do with what she could afford. She dismissed claims that God instructed her not to wear wigs, earrings, or necklaces, clarifying that her choices were purely circumstantial.
She recalled that in the past, people assumed she deliberately avoided big earrings without realizing it was due to financial limitations. “I carefully choose my outfits to match the theme when I shoot my videos. People didn’t see me wearing big earrings in the past, but they didn’t know it was because I couldn’t afford them,” she said.
Alabi also questioned the need to wear jewelry in music videos that depict suffering. “Why would I wear earrings when singing about hardship? If a music video requires me to portray suffering, I have to look the part. Back then, I simply didn’t have the money for such accessories,” she explained.
She noted that as time passed, she and her husband gradually built their careers, relying on God’s grace rather than forcing success. “Now that God has blessed me, I can buy the earrings I like, but some people now call me worldly,” she said.
The singer also addressed criticisms about her appearance, including claims that her complexion has changed. She dismissed such remarks, stating, “People say I was dark before and now I am fair. Are they my parents? Do they know that hardship can affect someone’s skin tone?”
Speaking further, Alabi clarified that her decision to cover her hair during ministrations was personal and not based on divine instruction. She explained that she covers her hair intentionally unless she is called to sing impromptu while wearing a wig.
As a theatre practitioner, Alabi emphasized that her fashion choices in music videos depend on the theme and message of each song. “If you see me in any video without earrings, it’s because I decided not to wear them to fit the story,” she said.
