Why Do African Men Prefer Voluptuous Women?

The intense advertising pressure from Western media eventually imposed Western beauty standards on African mentalities, and from Kinshasa to Lomé, Naomi Campbell became the ideal of beauty. However, collective consciousness has always recognized that African men appreciate curvy women. This African beauty standard had been officially relegated to the background by those concerned. With the growing influence of mentalities copied from Western models, Africans no longer dared to publicly admit their preference for women with generous curves. Western advertising had established a beauty norm where thinness was idealized, and from Kinshasa to Lomé, the model of beauty was that of international fashion models. As a result, young African women, and even older ones, who were naturally endowed with a large bust or voluptuous body, developed complexes or, at the very least, a certain unease. The pursuit of thinness led – and sometimes still leads – many African women to extreme dieting, inspired by women's magazines or grandmother's recipes that had supposedly worked for a neighbor. This trend of idealizing thinness began to change in the late 1980s. It was at this time that a certain influence of the "Black is Beautiful" movement from the USA began to reach Africa, notably through American music. African men then began to publicly return to their old beauty standards concerning Black women. In reality, voluptuousness as a beauty criterion for Black women coexisted with Western standards but had never entirely disappeared. Advertising and the desire for Westernization in major African cities had simply caused the official discourse of African men to align with Western norms. Yet, in rural areas, the preference for full-figured women remained predominant. In the 1990s, this trend completely reversed. It was as if the liberalization of political regimes had also liberated mentalities; urban African men reconciled with their culture and traditional preferences. Men now openly showed their preference for women with generous curves. One only has to look at the various beauty contests set up to value and promote the beauty of voluptuous Black women. The first contest of this kind was Miss Awoulaba, organized in 1987 in Ivory Coast. In a similar vein, there are Miss Diongoma in Senegal, Miss Poog-Béedré in Burkina Faso, Miss Lolo in Togo, and Reine Hanan in Benin. In the DRC and Ivory Coast, dances like "Ndombolo" and "Mapouka" (despite some excesses) also celebrate these feminine features. What used to make African women feel insecure is now carried proudly and without complexes. Ivorian artist Meiway even released a hit song in 2001 celebrating this: the famous "Miss Lolo," which celebrates women with a large bust. The celebration of Black women's beauty is not limited to physical assets but aims to highlight the richness of their Black identity. This evolution in mentalities has allowed African women to better accept themselves and value their curves without striving to conform to standards that do not fit them. However, it would be dishonest to deny that there are excesses in everything. Some women today may be pushed to adopt unhealthy eating habits to meet the expectations of those who prefer exaggerated curves. But the essential thing is that African women now know their beauty is appreciated in all its forms. Today, it is widely accepted that African men prefer curvy women, even if all types of beauty are valued. This diversification of beauty standards shows that every woman has unique value, regardless of predefined standards. To reinforce this trend, several actions are being implemented. The media plays a crucial role in portraying women of different body types as beautiful and accomplished. Additionally, influencers and public figures encourage this new way of thinking, which aims to value diversity in body shapes and sizes. It is also essential to emphasize the role of education. Young African girls should be encouraged to accept themselves as they are, without trying to match standards imposed from outside. The concept that beauty is multiple and diverse is a message that needs to be instilled from an early age. Beauty contests for voluptuous women also contribute to providing more visibility to this positive approach. They show that women who do not conform to thinness standards can be beautiful, confident, and admired. In Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and other countries, these events are opportunities to celebrate the diversity of African beauty. In conclusion, although the question "Do African men prefer curvy women?" may seem simple, it reflects a complex reality marked by cultural influences and societal norms. Today, African men seem to have found a balance between valuing traditional beauty standards and openness to external influences. This demonstrates acceptance of diversity and a willingness to celebrate beauty in all its forms. This positive evolution allows African women to feel better about themselves, regardless of their body shape. By eliminating insecurities and embracing beauty in all its diversity, African society is moving towards a future where every woman, regardless of her silhouette, can be fully herself, without judgment or pressure. For this evolution to continue, it is essential for everyone, men and women alike, to play an active role in promoting an inclusive and empowering image of beauty. By highlighting authentic beauty, Africa can truly inspire the world and show that beauty is ultimately about confidence, self-respect, and diversity.