“You Never Chop Belleful, But You Dey Chase Trends?” – Tacha Drags Nigerians Spending ₦200K on Labubu Toy

Reality TV star and media personality, Anita Natacha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has once again triggered a conversation online after taking a bold swipe at Nigerians jumping on the latest toy craze — the Labubu trend. In a sharply worded comment that has gone viral, Tacha questioned the financial decisions of Nigerians who, despite battling economic hardship, are splurging as much as ₦200,000 on the viral Labubu toy without understanding its origin or significance.

The statement, which she posted across her social media channels, read: "You don't even know where the Labubu toy originated from. You never chop belleful, you want to go and spend 200k on Labubu." The post, laced with both humor and frustration, has since sparked a social media storm, pitting trend followers against those questioning the priorities of the average Nigerian consumer in these tough times.

Tacha, known for her unapologetic and fiery takes, is no stranger to controversy, but this particular comment seems to have struck a chord in the collective consciousness of a nation reeling from inflation, job scarcity, and economic uncertainty. As images and videos of Labubu toys flood TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), the reality of the situation hits harder: people are prioritizing viral clout over daily survival.

Labubu, a quirky and slightly eerie toy figure from the "The Monsters" series by Hong Kong-based toy company Kasing Lung and POP MART, recently became a sensation among young Nigerians and influencers. With its sharp teeth, long ears, and haunting expression, the toy has found its way into the homes, selfies, and car dashboards of trendy Nigerians who proudly show off their collectibles. But unlike Western collectors who see it as a form of art or nostalgia, the Nigerian craze seems to be purely driven by virality and status — and now, criticism.

Tacha’s rant comes amid growing discussions about misplaced priorities, especially among Nigerian youth. While some argue that people have a right to spend their money however they like, others, like Tacha, see this as another indication of a society increasingly obsessed with appearances rather than substance. Her point is not just about the toy itself, but what it represents — a hunger for validation in a digital space where being part of a trend feels more important than meeting basic needs.

Her statement, "You never chop belleful," which translates to "You haven't even eaten to satisfaction," is a direct callout of the irony and contradiction in the lifestyle choices being made. Why spend over ₦200,000 on a toy when a significant portion of the population is struggling to feed, pay rent, or afford fuel? The statement was not just a jab, but a cultural critique wrapped in local parlance.

Unsurprisingly, the internet reacted swiftly. Some defended Tacha’s point, applauding her for speaking up and challenging a culture of financial recklessness masked as modernity. One user wrote: “She’s not wrong. The same people screaming ‘Sapa’ every day are buying toys they don’t understand for hundreds of thousands. Madness.”

Others, however, accused her of being judgmental and argued that everyone has the right to spend their money as they please. “Let people breathe. It’s not your money. Why do we always have to police how others enjoy life?” another user posted in response.

Still, the debate runs deeper than Tacha’s words. It touches the nerve of a generational dilemma — the need to ‘belong’ in a world where trends define identity. With influencers, skit makers, and celebrities posting daily with Labubu toys in their homes, the pressure to fit in becomes almost irresistible. Young people, especially in urban centers like Lagos and Abuja, feel the need to project an image of ‘soft life’ even if it comes at the cost of borrowing, struggling, or pretending.

The irony is not lost on observers. While people overseas are using the toy to express creativity and fandom, Nigerians have turned it into a badge of honor, a social media flex, a moment of clout. It’s no longer just a toy; it’s a statement. And Tacha, unfiltered as ever, is challenging that very notion.

This is not the first time a trend has captured the hearts — and wallets — of Nigerians. From iPhones to skincare routines that mimic Western influencers, the chase for aesthetics has become a key part of digital identity. But as Tacha implies, there’s a difference between enjoying luxuries and being consumed by them at the expense of survival.

In a country where minimum wage remains under ₦40,000 and inflation has driven food prices through the roof, spending over ₦200,000 on a toy does seem excessive — especially when done for social media validation. It speaks to a deeper societal imbalance where perception has overtaken reality. And it’s not just about toys. It’s about the culture of showing off, of building facades, of investing in temporary trends while ignoring long-term needs.

What makes Tacha’s comments especially potent is the timing. Nigeria is going through one of its toughest economic periods in recent memory. With fuel subsidies gone, a rising dollar rate, and massive job losses, most families are barely hanging on. So her words feel like a reality check — uncomfortable but necessary.

While her critics may accuse her of elitism or hypocrisy, many forget that Tacha herself has lived through the rough. Before fame, she was once a regular Nigerian hustling for attention and relevance. Her message, therefore, isn’t from a place of condescension but experience. She knows what it means to grind, to make choices, and to face judgment. Which is why her blunt tone carries weight.

The Labubu craze might fade as quickly as it rose, replaced by the next viral toy, phrase, or dance. But the deeper issue remains. In a world where youth are increasingly defined by what they can show rather than what they have achieved, voices like Tacha’s — raw, real, and disruptive — may be needed more than ever.

At the heart of her criticism is a plea for self-awareness. Before jumping on the next trend, ask yourself: have you eaten today? Have you saved for tomorrow? Do you even know what you’re buying — or are you just another name in the scroll of digital mimicry?

In typical Tacha fashion, she didn’t hold back. And whether you agree or not, one thing is clear — she got people talking. And maybe, just maybe, thinking.