They never meant for folks like us to walk around with confidence
But I ain’t finna hate myself because of your incompetence
–Jane Oranika, founder of the #EgoChallenge
Over the instrumentals of Beyonce’s 2009 hit Ego, black women are rapping about overcoming physical insecurities. And the results are absolutely fire. The challenge was started by 19-year-old Alabaman Jane Oranika who posted a minute-long video to Twitter rapping about embracing her weight, height, tooth gap and dark skin.
I wanna start the #EgoChallenge ☺️ we all have flaws and it’s better to brag about them to be insecure. y’all should join in 🤘🏾✨ pic.twitter.com/ZJhEpRFHgg
— CHIKA (@oranicuhh) January 30, 2017
The video quickly went viral and other black women started joining in. Here are five of the best videos we found. (Tell us again why rap is a male-dominated industry??)
@oranicuhh this was a great idea 😂 #egochallenge pic.twitter.com/tWeeluhmIU
— Amber Hayes (@thebvdd3st_) January 31, 2017
So I’m taking @oranicuhh ‘s #EgoChallenge ✨ for a spin. 🤔#nojudgement pic.twitter.com/fRPhvuhvnu
— HALO (@halobrinkley) January 31, 2017
Credit to @oranicuhh 👏🏾 #EgoChallenge UK🇬🇧 Edition. Flaws You Say? Own Them ! (I’m wearing @PatronneC @APatronne @SPatronne @DPatronne 😍) pic.twitter.com/eRaW25Ur2B
— JoleneLukes (@JoleneLukes) February 3, 2017
#EgoChallenge shout out to @oranicuhh #beyonce pic.twitter.com/GyS3M0UcTO
— DopeBahamianGoddess (@AmanteTaughtYou) February 2, 2017
#egochallenge you ask you receive xx pic.twitter.com/4t5lzOiEVv
— Cynthia Erivo (@CynthiaEriVo) February 2, 2017
Over time women of other races and cultures starting submitting entries as well.
Jane was so overcome from the positive feedback that she took to Twitter again last night to express her elation.
With the way our country is set up politically, it’s beautiful to see young people spreading love. Ladies, what do you think of the #egochallenge?
Beautifully inspired and long ovet due! #werock!