A tanning addict who was born white but identifies as a black woman says she plans to move to Africa because she “feels a deep connection to the continent and its people. Martina Big – who prefers to be called Malaika – has previously hit the headlines for using melanin injections to change the colour of her skin.
The 36-year-old model has suffered severe backlash over the years from people saying she is wearing ‘Blackface’ and will “never be Black”.Malaika – who naturally has very fair skin – is planning a move to Africa with her husband, Michael Groß, 38.
“We have received invitations from fans in many African countries and so it hasn’t been easy to choose,” Malaika said. “Currently, we have Kenya and Namibia on our shortlist.My husband and I had already planned to emigrate a few years ago, but then the pandemic hit.
“Since most of my modelling jobs are in Europe and the US, Michael fears it will be difficult for me to earn money in Africa. I’ve had to work hard to convince him that this is the best decision for us.”
Malaikahas also undergone several lip augmentations andplans to undergo a buttock augmentation and surgery to “widen her nose” before her departure to Africa.
She said: “My husband and I are still working on the schedule. It’s especially important that I have my surgeries (buttock augmentation and nose widening) done here in Europe beforehand.Since I want my surgeries very extreme, I don’t know any surgeons in Africa who can do those.
“I am hoping that we can resolve the remaining issues soon and realise our dream of emigrating as soon as possible.”
When she visited Nairobi for the first time in 2018, the model says she was recognised by some of the local people and even had people wanting to take selfies with her.She has visited Africa three times.
Malaika said: “I want to emigrate to Africa because I feel a deep connection to the African people. The harsh criticism usually comes from the US via social media.
“People say things like ‘You’re white, you’ll never be Black’ or say my skin is ‘Blackface’. But I don’t take these comments to heart.I assume that people who have negative attitudes toward me hold back when they meet me in person.
“Though I never go walk around alone, my husband always accompanies me. Every time I’ve visited Africa though, I’ve felt at home and overwhelmed by the response.
“Once, as I got out of a taxi, a fan recognised me and a short time later, I was surrounded by a whole crowd of people wanting to take selfies with me and asking me many questions. I can’t wait to live there.”