Nollywood actor Bayo Bankole, popularly known as Boy Alinco has shared his views on preserving African heritage through names and his eye-opening account of his immigration journey in an interview with Teju Babyface.

Here are seven key takeaways from his revelations on the Teju Babyface show.

1. “Don’t Give Our Children Jayden or Biden” – Boy Alinco on African Names

The actor criticized the growing trend of Nigerian parents giving their children foreign names instead of embracing beautiful indigenous names like Oluwaseun, Oluwapamilerinayo, and Oluwasoromidayo.

2. “They Call Dutch and Russian Names, So Why Not Ours?”

Boy Alinco dismissed the argument that African names are too difficult to pronounce in schools. He pointed out that people around the world easily pronounce complicated Dutch, Russian, and Indian names without question.

3. “The Jews Keep Their Names, and That Links Them to Their Roots”

He stressed that names are a significant part of cultural identity, explaining that African Americans often struggle to trace their roots because their ancestors lost their indigenous names over time.

4. Marriage to a White Woman Led to a “Bitter Experience”

While discussing his immigration journey, Boy Alinco revealed that after moving to the U.S. in 2015, he married a White woman, but the first two years of the marriage were difficult, filled with financial struggles and emotional challenges.

5. “I Am an Asunkungbade – One Who Fights to Earn His Crown”

The actor reflected on his tough road to U.S. citizenship, calling himself “Asunkungbade,” a Yoruba term that means fighting to earn a crown. He explained that not everyone has an easy immigration journey, and many face painful experiences.

6. “If You Have a Good Woman, Thank Your Stars”

Boy Alinco emphasized that marrying for citizenship is not always smooth. While some people are fortunate to have supportive spouses, others endure hardship and must struggle to balance life abroad with responsibilities back home.

7. “I Had No One to Mentor Me” – The Loneliness of Immigration

The actor lamented that he had no guidance when he moved to the U.S., making his transition even more challenging. He urged aspiring immigrants to prepare well and seek mentorship before taking the leap.

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