Nigerians are among the people who jump into various trends, each with their own respective interests. At times, it may be for fun or for business. Social media has been a vehicle for transmitting various trends from far and near to various destinations, and this is indeed a welcome development. The Labubu trend is no exception to the trends that have been catapulted around the globe through various means. The first time I saw the Labubu trend was on Instagram. I remember someone sharing the post and saying that , since singer Rihanna has gotten one, it’s surely time for other celebrities in Nigeria to join the trend.
You may ask, what is Labubu?
Labubu is a brand of collectible plush toys created by a Belgian-Chinese designer, Kasing Lung. He created it as part of a storybook world called ‘The Monsters’ in 2015. In 2019, Pop Mart, a Chinese company, brought Labubu to life by introducing it through blind boxes, which add an element of surprise. The joy and excitement of unboxing sparked a frenzy among collectors who eagerly looked forward to discovering which type of Labubu they would get. Examples of the editions you can find inside such boxes include Pirate Labubu, Angel Labubu, and Skeleton Labubu.
Labubu comes with key holders, making it suitable to be incorporated into many places such as handbags, baskets, and keychains, with some people even going as far as attaching them to their pockets and other favorite parts of their clothing. Labubu has also become a status symbol, with many people using it to decorate their favorite parts of their homes and even creating small museums for it. Some ladies who have different colors of bags try hard to get them in various colors. One thing about collectibles is that their enthusiasts want more in different designs and colors.
The Labubu trend in Nigeria
There is no doubt that Nigerians have fallen in love with the special designs of Labubu and its significance for wealth. For them, Labubu is not just a toy, but a movement.
One of the key features of Nigerians’ attitudes towards expensive fashion items is to mimic the design in order to use it and have fun while ‘consoling’ themselves. The prices of Labubu in Nigeria range from N160,000 to N250,000, making it a possession for only the influential and affluent people. Nevertheless, this trend has promoted the sale of other lower-cost toys in Nigeria. It may sound funny, but it’s the reality.
Despite the desire to own a fake Labubu, the original Labubu can still be easily recognized because of its unique features. It has been seen in the fashion elements of some Nigerian celebrities, though we can’t confirm whether it is the real Labubu or if they are tricking us.
Some theories, however, are hindering those who may have the desire to purchase one from getting it so soon. Theories like ‘Labubu is a monster, and, therefore, a devilish item.’ Others believe that there are better commodities to spend on due to the economic realities in the country. Some also think that it may scare their kids because of its design.
Let’s take a look at what some Nigerians are saying about Labubu;
Emem Isong “What is this I’m hearing that you people are buying Labubu toy of 200k to hang on a 15k bag? My gender, please, explain to me in a language that I will understand. What is this Labubu toy trending used for? Why is the ugly thing so expensive? Why are people, especially our ladies buying it? Please, break it down for me like a 2 year old child, because I don’t even understand you people again. I heard the prices ranges from 160k to 200k, wonderful! Trust our Aba brothers, they will soon import it and sell it 6k. As country dey so, What do I know sef, let me come and be going.”
Sharon Amaechi “Please, if you know you love me, don’t just go and buy me 1 Labubu toy for 200k, get like 20 of them for me, I don’t have big eyes, so don’t buy land or vehicle, just get a whole lot of Labubu, okay? It’s not like I’m asking for too much, just a ridiculous amount of Labubu.”
Chiamaka Ndukwu Onyenekwe “The company producing this Labubu toy is putting effort in its marketing. I wonder why it is trending so much among ladies this time around.”
Peace Unuzogbo “Can someone tell all these Labubu toys to stop popping on my screen? I no fit come online in peace again. Because, I no dey buy even if na 5k. How can I buy one Labubu toy for 250k. Instead, I go mold am for my finger nails with acrylic, or 3D carving gel.”
Reality TV star Tacha also shared a video captioned “LABUBU!!! You don Chop Belle Full!!” In the video, she advised people not to let peer pressure push them into spending the little money they have on things they don’t need. Interestingly, as she mentioned, some people jumping on the trend don’t even know the spelling, origin, or meaning of Labubu.
Labubu is here to stay , do not be pressured. If you don’t have it now, you can have it later.
