Nollywood's Habibat Jinadu Opens Up About Skin Bleaching

Nollywood actress Habibat Jinadu disclosed in an interview with BBC Yoruba that she bleached her skin to increase her chances of landing acting roles. Jinadu stated that she felt her dark skin and slim physique were barriers to her success in the industry.

She explained, “I bleached my skin because if you were dark-skinned, then you would not get a role. Also, if you were not chubby but slim, you would not get a role.” After undergoing the skin bleaching, she began to receive more roles but noted that people no longer recognized her, often commenting that she looked familiar or like an actress.

Despite the initial success, she was unhappy with the change. Jinadu also mentioned suffering injuries from minor bruises on set and realized the impact of her choices when she became pregnant in 2023, which prevented her from continuing to bleach her skin.

Upon stopping, she faced negative reactions and name-calling from the public.