When cross dressing is mentioned in Nigeria, the name, “Bobrisky” comes to one’s mind. This is because, the Yoruba born bleaching expert has carved a niche for himself.
Area Scatter was a cross dresser who roamed the streets of 1970s Eastern Nigeria, playing melodic music with his ornamental thumb piano, singing in a rich, smooth voice and moving his body in an unusual yet fascinating manner.
He was by all means, the first and one of the few Nigerian transvestites to appear in mainstream media.
Legend has it that he was a civil servant in the old days who disappeared into the wilderness at some point during the years of the war, only to re-emerge 7 months and 7 days later, as a beautifully adorned woman.
He claimed that during this period, the gods endowed him with supernatural powers which he used to enhance his musical talent and become more feminine.
In this clip from the documentary “Beats of the Heart: Konkombe”, Area Scatter is seen performing for a local ruler and a crowd who seems to be intrigued but entertained.
