The internet never sleeps, especially when it comes to celebrities and their social media interactions. Case in point: a recent congratulatory message posted by Terseer Kiddwaya, better known by his Big Brother Naija alias “Kiddwaya,” to music superstar Davido and his fiancée, Chioma Rowland, has sparked amusement and criticism in equal measure.
The message, posted on Kiddwaya’s Instagram story, reads, “Congrats to OBO & Chioma on there upcoming wedding. Wishing you guys love and happiness. #Chivido24.” While the sentiment appears well-intended, it’s riddled with grammatical errors, most notably the misuse of “there” instead of “their” and the missing apostrophe in “wishing.”
Social media, ever vigilant, was quick to pounce. Comments like “Congrats Kidd, but maybe proofread next time” and “Even a simple message needs proper grammar” flooded Twitter and Instagram. The incident has reignited discussions about the importance of proper grammar and communication in the age of social media.
Kiddwaya, a wealthy socialite who rose to fame on the Big Brother Naija reality show, is known for his flamboyant lifestyle and playful personality. This isn’t his first brush with online criticism. However, the grammatical errors in his congratulatory message seem to have struck a particular chord with some Nigerians.
Nigeria has a complex relationship with the English language. While English is the official language of the country, many Nigerians speak a dialect-infused version known as Nigerian English. This vernacular often takes liberties with grammar and spelling, creating a unique way of communication.
However, the rise of social media and the globalized world have placed a renewed emphasis on proper English, particularly for public figures like Kiddwaya. Here’s why the seemingly minor grammatical errors sparked such a reaction:
- Role Models and Responsibility: Celebrities like Kiddwaya hold immense influence, especially among young Nigerians. Their social media posts are seen by millions, and some argue they have a responsibility to communicate effectively.
- Education and Upward Mobility: For many Nigerians, proper English is seen as a gateway to education and upward mobility. Seeing celebrities like Kiddwaya flout grammatical rules can be disheartening for those who value proper communication.
- The Power of Social Media: Social media platforms provide a space for public critique and commentary. Kiddwaya’s message became an open target for those who advocate for proper English usage.
The Kiddwaya incident offers some valuable takeaways:
- Proofreading Matters: Taking a moment to proofread social media posts can prevent unnecessary embarrassment and criticism.
- Embrace Nigerian English: While proper grammar is important, celebrating the unique aspects of Nigerian English can foster cultural pride and inclusivity.
- Think Before You Post: Celebrities, and everyone else for that matter, should consider the potential impact of their social media posts before hitting “share.
Kiddwaya’s congratulatory message may have been riddled with errors, but it has sparked a necessary conversation about language, communication, and the role of celebrities in the digital age. Perhaps this incident will serve as a reminder to all of us to take a moment and proofread before hitting post, while also acknowledging the richness and diversity that Nigerian English brings to the linguistic landscape.
