Reality TV star and actress, Beverly Osu has opened up about her desire to embrace her softer side, challenging the common perception of strength among African women.
In an interview on Hip Tv, the talented actress reflected on the unique mindset of the group she associates with.
“The tribe that I am in, I think we are so different, so we speak the truth to ourselves. The yes is mostly from us. Our own approval than from the outside world”, she explained, highlighting her preference for self-validation over external approval.
Osu emphasized that her focus has never been on seeking validation from others. “I don’t strive for outside validation. I am my greatest critic, so before I say my work is good, trust me, maybe ten thousand people have been saying it,” she stated. She further noted the importance of honesty within her circle, saying, “So far so good, the tribe I am in, we tell ourselves the truth. There is no fake zone where I am at”.
Reflecting on the broader cultural context, Beverly touched on the pressure many African women face to appear strong, often at the expense of their emotional well-being. “We as Africans, because of how strong we try to make people believe that we are, we would rather be miserable than vulnerable,” she observed. Despite her reputation for resilience, Beverly expressed a longing for a different perception. “I am a very strong person, but I am also tired of being seen as strong, people saying you are such a strong, great woman. I just want to be soft and vulnerable. How about that?”.
