A Nasty Boy
June 2017
Models
A Nasty Boy
based in
Lagos
NG
since
February 2017
Editor-in-Chief
Richard Akuson
print issued bimonthly
About
A Nasty Boy is a Nigerian fashion and culture magazine founded on February 19, 2017, by Richard Akuson. It is widely recognized as Nigeria's first LGBTQ publication.
The magazine's mission is to challenge conventional norms of masculinity, gender, and beauty in Nigeria by creating space for "otherness"—those who do not fit traditional molds of male identity—and by celebrating creativity, fashion, culture, and identity beyond mainstream narratives.
What the magazine does:
- Curates bold fashion editorials featuring men in what are traditionally seen as "feminine" garments or poses (make-up, dresses, high heels) in the Nigerian context to provoke reflection on gender norms.
- Covers stories of marginalized or less-visible voices in Nigerian fashion, art, and culture, giving them a platform to express themselves.
- Operates at the intersection of fashion, lifestyle, and activism, offering visuals and essays that aim to expand what it means to be Nigerian, masculine, or creative.
Why it matters:
- In a country where homosexual acts are criminalized and rigid gender roles are enforced socially and legally, A Nasty Boy takes a daring stance by making visible what is often invisible or silenced.
- It has garnered international attention from outlets such as CNN, Dazed Digital, i-D Magazine, and others.
- It provides a creative platform from Nigeria that connects local narratives with global conversations about gender, identity, and fashion.
In short, A Nasty Boy is a radical, agenda-setting publication from Nigeria that uses fashion and culture as vehicles for questioning identity, celebrating diversity, and extending the definition of masculinity and style in Africa and beyond.
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