Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso — The city of Ouagadougou erupted in controversy this week after authorities banned South African fitness influencer Nkululeko Dlamini, famously dubbed the “King of Squats,” from hosting his high-energy workout event in the capital.
The ban, issued by the Ouagadougou City Council, cited “unauthorized public gathering” and concerns over cultural sensitivity, specifically targeting Dlamini’s signature tight workout gear and provocative routines. The move sparked a firestorm on social media, with critics accusing the council of censorship and others applauding the defense of local values.
“Burkina Faso is not a place for indecent exposure in the name of fitness,” said one official.
But the story didn’t end there.
After intense online backlash and global media attention, the council reversed its decision—on one condition: Dlamini must wear “big pants” and tone down the theatrics. The revised event went ahead under tight scrutiny, with the coach sporting looser attire and a noticeably subdued routine.
Social Media Reacts
The hashtag #ButtCoachBan trended across African platforms, with memes, debates, and dueling commentaries flooding timelines. Some hailed the compromise as a win for cultural diplomacy, while others saw it as a symbolic defeat for body positivity and artistic freedom.
