Popular Ghanaian YouTuber and content creator Wode Maya has sparked intense online discussions after educating Zambians on Ghanaian culture and traditional dressing, following criticism of President John Dramani Mahama’s attire during a recent public appearance.
The debate began when some Zambian social media users referred to the President’s outfit as a “blouse,” a description that quickly drew backlash from Ghanaians online. Wode Maya, known for promoting African culture and narratives, stepped in to clarify the issue with a strongly worded post.
In his message addressed to Zambians, Wode Maya explained that the outfit in question is not a blouse but a traditional Ghanaian attire known as Fugu, also called Batakari—a garment widely worn in Northern Ghana and across parts of West Africa.
“The outfit worn by our President is not a BLOUSE. It is a Ghanaian traditional attire known as FUGU, also called Batakari. Our President is intentionally promoting the local garment industry both within and beyond our borders,” he wrote.
Wode Maya further contrasted Ghana’s cultural promotion with what he described as continued dependence on Western fashion in African leadership, adding that President Mahama’s choice of attire was a deliberate effort to showcase African identity and support local industries. His post ended with a strong call for Africans to break free from what he termed “mental slavery.”
The statement quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions. While many Ghanaians praised Wode Maya for defending Ghanaian culture and educating others, some Zambian users felt the tone of the message was unnecessarily harsh. Regardless, the conversation has once again highlighted the importance of cultural awareness and respect across African nations.
Who Is Wode Maya?
Born Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon, Wode Maya is one of Africa’s most influential YouTubers, with millions of subscribers across his platforms. He is widely celebrated for telling positive African stories, promoting tourism, entrepreneurship, and culture across the continent.
Beyond content creation, Wode Maya has played key roles in major entertainment projects. Notably, he was the main planner behind American streamer iShowSpeed’s recently concluded African tour, which saw the internet sensation visit Ghana and other African countries in one of the most talked-about digital events of the year.
Wode Maya’s influence continues to extend beyond YouTube, positioning him as a cultural ambassador who consistently uses his platform to reshape global narratives about Africa.
As the debate continues online, one thing is clear: conversations around African identity, culture, and representation are far from over and voices like Wode Maya’s remain at the center of it all.
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