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Registrations for Love Island Nigeria close in 3 days
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Nigerians doubt the authenticity of the show
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The reality show airs on December 20
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It seems Nigerians have got a Fyre Festival of their own in ‘Love Island Nigeria’
November 11, (THEWILL) – Nine days, an X outrage, an unverified page, and an ‘I got a text’ announcement later, Nigerians still wonder whether ‘Love Island Nigeria’ is the Fyre Festival of Africa.
On Love Island, a group of men and women participate in a series of tasks with a partner that they keep swapping until they meet the love of their life. It is essentially a reality show where islanders “couple up and find love under the sun.”
A little over a week ago, on November 2, the organisers announced the reality show on their page, an unverified X handle. Perhaps it makes sense to not take that seriously.
But Bizzle, a respected figure in the entertainment industry, tweeted about it, amassing 1,700 retweets and 1,500 bookmarks.
https://x.com/bizzleosikoya/
Fans’ comments under Bizzle’s announcement tweet
Also, promotional ads and teasers are running on GOtv and DSTV. They have active social handles, which do not count anyway.
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So, Is It Real?
The first official announcement for the reality show was posted on November 2 on X.
https://x.com/Loveislandng_/
Nigerians tried to sign up, but complained that the site collected their data with little information about the show itself made available, so much that they suspected it was a phishing move. The questions abound: Is this a recognised franchise? Will the misogyny be too much even for live TV? Is the show even a real one?
The brand went silent.
Today, a new campaign announcement surfaced on X: ‘I Got a Text,’ hinting at text message notifications sent to applications. The video was created in line with Love Island’s branding, but the accent? Sus!
https://x.com/Loveislandng_/
Fan comments under each post show a lot of doubt and an interesting range of concerns.
The show will premiere in 39 days, on December 20, just in time for the holiday season.
Gertrude Oby is a writer and journalist passionate about the creative industries. Works span fashion, film, media, art, and culture.
