I’m Too Nigerian, and African to Know Anything About It.
Oluwatobi · Follow
Published in · 5 min read · Jun 4, 2024
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One of the funniest sports quotes of all time.
Jacoby, before Super Bowl XVII: ‘I’d run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl.’
Millen, of the Raiders: ‘To win, I’d run over Joe’s mum too’
Truly dedicated players don’t rule anything out, including murder.
Perhaps it's because I’m too Nigerian or African for things like these, but I know nothing about the Super Bowl.
So here is the thing…
I find it difficult to connect with the Super Bowl because it feels distant from my cultural roots and experiences.
Growing up immersed in African traditions and values, my sports interests and entertainment preferences have naturally gravitated toward events and activities that resonate more closely with my heritage.
With a little research, I found out that…
The Super Bowl event is believed to be a major sports competition and a significant cultural phenomenon in the United States. It is known for its elaborate halftime shows featuring major musical artists and its high-profile television commercials.
This is all I hear about it — that popular stars perform during halftime, and that’s all.
According to the Study, the following popular artists have performed at the Super Bowl.
2024: Usher with special guests Alicia Keys, Jermaine Dupri, H.E.R., will.i.am, Lil Jon, Ludacris
2023: Rihanna
2022: Eminem, Dr. Dre. Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige
2021: The Weeknd
2020: Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Emme Muniz
2019: Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi
2018: Justin Timberlake, The Tennessee Kids
2017: Lady Gaga
2016: Coldplay, Beyonce, Bruno Mars
2015: Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott
2014: Bruno Mars, Red Hot Chili Peppers
I can’t believe they even subjected the Greats — Micheal Jackson, and Diana Ross to such an experience.
See where the problem is?
No Burna Boy, Wizkid, or Davido
Davido performed at the FIFA World Cup Final in Qatar 2022.
Burna Boy performed at the Grammy Awards this year.
Do you see the pattern of Big Events and Big African Names?
Say less Fam!
The Super Bowl attracts millions of viewers, except me of course, making it one of the most-watched television events annually.
So much clout!
Is it even bigger than the UEFA Champions League?
Nothing and no one in the Super Bowl can match the legacy of Real Madrid in Spain and the UEFA Champions League.
Ever heard of Cristiano Ronaldo? Mr Champions League?
Fellas, I’m sure your girlfriends know him.
Mbappe just moved to Real Madrid, and the world is shaking.
Guess what?
Your girlfriends know Mbappe too!
No one even knows who Tom Brady is over here.
The Super Bowl game is often accompanied by parties and gatherings, where fans enjoy food, drinks, and the excitement of the game.
That sounds like the real intent…parties, food, and drinks.
Why coat it up with a sports game that isn’t even as appealing?
Just organize a party, and leave Tom Brady and his team out of it.
The Super Bowl, steeped in American culture and customs, often feels alien to my African identity, making it challenging for me to fully embrace or enjoy the event.
Consequently, my inability to relate to the cultural nuances and significance of the Super Bowl is a primary reason I struggle to develop an affinity for it.
The Super Bowl, from my Nigerian perspective, represents a significant drain on time and energy for several reasons.
First, the immense focus on commercialism and advertising during the event often overshadows the sport itself, reducing it to a platform for marketing rather than a celebration of athletic achievement.
At least, call big names to your events if you want to be celebrated all over the world.
Second, the preparation and participation in Super Bowl festivities can lead to extensive expenditures of time, resources, and energy that might be better invested in more meaningful and productive activities.
To summarize that second point, everyone should just go back home to their families.
Additionally, the environmental impact of the event, from massive energy consumption to waste generation, contributes to its overall inefficiency.
Considering these factors, the Super Bowl exemplifies how a single event can divert significant resources away from more constructive endeavors, making it, arguably, a waste of time and energy.
