Nigerian rapper YCee has criticised content creator Gilmore over his viral akara business skit, dismissing claims that the video qualifies as satire.

Reacting on social media, YCee argued that satire should entertain while also exposing or criticising the underlying issue being addressed.

According to the rapper, depicting an akara business as highly profitable, with customers making payments in cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum and Solana, alongside references to luxury shopping and an affluent lifestyle, did not effectively convey the criticism many viewers claimed the skit was making.

The video was created after Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, encouraged Nigerians, particularly women, to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara, kulikuli and roasted corn as a source of income.

Gilmore’s skit, which imagined a premium akara business featuring digital payments and upscale branding, quickly gained traction online, with many viewers describing it as satire. YCee, however, maintained that it failed to meet the purpose of true satire.

He said:

“To all of you yelling “satire”
The entire idea of satire as a literary device is to use humor/be entertaining while also criticizing and exposing the issue at the base of the content.

Portraying “akara selling” as a lucrative business where you’re taking payment in solana and eth, patronizing Polanco and shopping at hf etc.
where is the said “satire” that you all are screaming?”