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Zarinah Hassan, popularly known as Zari, took to the internet to defend her husband, Shakib Lutaaya, after netizens mocked his English-speaking skills ahead of the third season of Netflix’s all-African stars reality show Young, Famous & African, in which he features.
In a video shared online, Zari appeared to acknowledge that Shakib’s English may not be perfect but emphasised his other admirable qualities.
She said: "Oh, we cannot wait to see Shakib’s English. Let’s talk about the English... let’s talk about it! Let me tell you something—it’s been a winning season for my husband. My husband bagged me—winning season for him. My husband is going to be on Netflix. You, with your English, your literature, your accent, your everything—honey, look at you! My husband is going to be on the biggest platform in the whole world—Netflix. And here you are discussing his English. See your life!
"It’s winning season for my husband. You don’t know... he’s winning at everything. And from Netflix, obviously, bigger deals are coming. Who knows? My husband might even surpass me and go to Hollywood. You and your English, honey! Never mind Shakib—he’s winning. Ladies and gentlemen, Shakib is winning, and I’m so happy for him. I’ve never loved someone so much."
Zari also pointed out that many of the same people mocking Shakib are now admiring him, despite initially ridiculing their relationship. She remarked: "I see you all starting to fall in love with my husband now because he’s the guy—yet you mocked us at the beginning, saying that’s all I could get!"
The third season of Young, Famous & African premieres on January 17 and introduces new cast members, including award-winning fashion and lifestyle content creator Kefilwe Mabote and Nollywood actress Ini Edo.
Returning cast members include Zarinah herself, Khanyi Mbau, Nadia Nakai, Annie Macaulay-Idibia, Luis Manana, Swanky Jerry, Naked DJ, Kayleigh Schwark, and Diamond Platnumz.