Tanzanian gospel singer Christina Shusho recently sparked intrigue with a cryptic social media post advocating for reducing the use of makeup in appearance and behavior. She emphasized the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance, encouraging her followers to embrace their true selves beyond external facades. Shusho’s message resonated widely, prompting discussions on societal norms and personal identity.
Shusho began her message by cautioning against over-reliance on makeup, extending the concept beyond physical appearance to include behaviors and attitudes. “This is for every common ‘mwananchi’. For the people, by the people. Punguza make-up,” she shared, urging individuals to reconsider how they present themselves to the world.
In her thoughtful discourse, Shusho highlighted how societal pressures often compel people to mask their true selves. “Maisha tulivyonao sasa hivi, tunaweka makeup. Sio makeup tu ya uso. This is what I mean, not just face makeup. Hadi maisha, kuna mtu tabia, anaweka makeup, biashara anaweka makeup, yani you hide everything,” she explained, drawing parallels between cosmetic makeup and the facades people adopt in various aspects of their lives.
The gospel minister emphasized that such practices hinder genuine connections and personal growth. “When a woman wears makeup, sometimes she hides flaws—maybe it’s signs of aging, wrinkles. Anaficha vitu ambao haziko sawa usoni so that akae vizuri, right?” Shusho pointed out, extending the metaphor to behaviors and character traits that people may conceal behind a façade of respectability.
According to Shusho, true authenticity involves acknowledging and addressing both internal and external influences. “Utasema huyu ni yule namjua au ningoje mwingine? Vile tunavyomgoja Yesu. So makeup is good kwenye mambo yote, but ni vizuri tufanye effort kuhakikisha kwamba unaeza ukaishi bila makeup,” she advised, encouraging her audience to cultivate a demeanor and character that don’t necessitate pretenses.
She concluded with a poignant reflection on the value of genuine relationships. “Learn jifunze kuwa maisha ambayo itakuwa real, without makeup. Tabia yako, real bila makeup. Your behavior, real bila makeup. Na mambo yako pia, kazi yako iwe real, what you say is what you mean. Si makeup,” Shusho emphasized, underscoring the importance of sincerity and integrity in personal and professional interactions.
In closing, Christina Shusho’s profound message resonates as a reminder to embrace authenticity and transparency in all aspects of life, challenging societal norms that prioritize appearances over substance. Her words continue to inspire introspection and meaningful dialogue among her followers and beyond.
Article By Suzy Nyongesa.