A German tanning enthusiast who was born white but identifies as a ‘Black woman’ has shared her plans to “move to Africa” because she “feels a deep connection” to the country and its people.
But first, she plans to get more surgery.
Martina Big – who goes by the name Malaika – previously sparked controversy when she revealed she uses melanin injections and her at-home tanning bed to change the colour of her skin.
The 36-year-old model has faced severe backlash over the years from people claiming she is wearing ‘Blackface’ and say she will “never be Black”, according to Jam Press.
Now Malaika, who naturally has very fair skin and blonde hair, is planning to relocate to Africa with her husband, Michael Groß, 38.
“Currently, we have Kenya and Namibia on our shortlist. My husband and I had already planned to emigrate a few years ago, but then the pandemic hit.”
Since most of her modelling jobs are in Europe and the US, Mr Groß fears it will be difficult for her to continue her career in Africa.
So, she said she’s had to “work hard” to convince him that this is the best decision for them and she can still make a living.
However, potential earnings aren’t the only factor influencing the decision.
Malaika, who aims to have the largest breasts in Europe, says each of them are a 6630cc.
She has also had several lip injections and is planning to undergo a backside augmentation and surgery to “widen her nose” before she makes the move to Africa.
The pair are still working on the exact timeline and are prioritising her two surgeries in Europe before they make any concrete plans.
“Since I want my surgeries very extreme, I don’t know any surgeons in Africa who can do those,” she noted.
“I am hoping that we can resolve the remaining issues soon and realise our dream of emigrating as soon as possible.”
Malaika is confident that she and her husband will be welcomed by the African community.
When she first travelled to Nairobi in 2018, the model recalls being recognised by locals who wanted to take selfies with her.
She has visited Africa three times in total.
She said the move is based on her desire to explore the “deep connection” she has with the African people.
And she’s not going to let the “haters” stop her.
“The harsh criticism usually comes from the US via social media,” she said.
“People say things like ‘You’re white, you’ll never be Black, but I don’t take these comments to heart.
“I assume that people who have negative attitudes toward me hold back when they meet me in person.
“Though I never go walk around alone, my husband always accompanies me.
“Every time I’ve visited Africa though, I’ve felt at home and overwhelmed by the response.
“Once, as I got out of a taxi, a fan recognised me and a short time later, I was surrounded by a whole crowd of people wanting to take selfies with me and asking me many questions.
“I can’t wait to live there.”
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/r...a/news-story/685427e62b2daecf05b02699df2f6205 (Archive)
