Skin tone and human differentiation in Lagos, Nigeria

Local ways of thinking add significant layers of meaning to differentiations based on skin tone. Studies on colorism have highlighted the influence of global racial and racist hierarchies on the privileging of lighter skin tones. This paper examines the complex role skin tone plays in processes of differentiation in Lagos, Nigeria, applying Hirschauer’s theory of human differentiation to an underrepresented geographical context. It takes an in-depth look at experiences and skin-lightening practices of Nigerian media personality Denrele Edun, who has longstanding experiences in the entertainment industry and is representative of local valuations of the skin.

The study reveals that skin tone functions not only as a racial signifier, but also as a marker of belonging to other categories like beauty, wealth/class, gender, and ethnicity. Edun is ‘doing being mixed-race’ through lighter skin, but also uses it to signal success, drawing on the notion that only economically successful people can ‘maintain’ a light complexion in the Nigerian climate. Next to being a marker of human differentiation, skin tone is shown to also be at the core of a distinct social category, that of light(er)-skinned individuals. The paper introduces the emic perspective of skin tone as malleable and skin lightening as a form of skin care and strategic investment in the self. It further introduces local rationalizations that explain light(er) skin privilege through notions of internalized racism, and a fascination with foreignness and aesthetic alterity. By prioritizing Edun's perspective and feedback, this paper incorporates principles from decolonial and collaborative research practices.

Grimberg, Marion with Edun, Denrele (2025): Skin tone and human differentiation in Lagos, Nigeria. Arbeitspapiere des Instituts für Ethnologie und Afrikastudien der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz (Working Papers of the Department of Anthropology and African Studies of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz) 212.