James Brown, the self-styled “Princess of Africa,” has opened up about a lifetime of stigma, revealing he was born HIV positive and continues to battle harmful assumptions about his identity, sexuality, and lifestyle. The popular crossdresser and content creator made the emotional confession during a candid social media livestream that has since sparked massive conversations online.
Now 25, James Brown disclosed that many people spread false claims about his sexuality, with some suggesting he engages in anal sex or lives a hypersexual lifestyle. He clarified that his flamboyant dressing, provocative dancing, and controversial online persona are purely for content creation—and not a reflection of his personal life.
“I’ve never done anything like that,” he declared. “People say all kinds of rubbish. My look and behavior? Na content I dey do. This is how I feed myself and my family. Dancing is how I survive. It’s not a crime to use talent to make money.”
His statement comes amid ongoing debates around LGBTQ+ identity in Nigeria, where discrimination, violence, and social exclusion remain widespread. Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act criminalizes same-sex relationships, a law that activists say has emboldened public shaming and online bullying of non-conforming individuals like James Brown.
Despite the hate, James Brown has built a brand that commands millions of views across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. He’s collaborated with artists, featured in mainstream media, and toured internationally. He says his journey has been one of resilience, especially growing up with HIV—a status he says people wrongly link to promiscuity instead of understanding the reality of perinatal infection.
“I was born with it. I didn’t go and look for it. I’ve lived with it since birth, and I’m healthy,” he emphasized. “I wish Nigerians would stop judging people they don’t know. My story is not what you think.” His revelation has also revived calls among advocates to educate the public on HIV transmission, treatment, and stigma reduction.
Fans and supporters have flooded his comment sections with messages of love, encouragement, and renewed appreciation for his courage. While critics remain vocal, James Brown’s voice continues to grow louder, reshaping public narratives about illness, identity, and creative expression in a deeply conservative society.
