- Popular Nollywood actress Juliana Olayode has voiced her strong disapproval of social media users turning a spiritual prayer into a “joke” or “cruise” on TikTok and Instagram.
- While the “Holy Spirit, Carry Me” trend has been embraced by many, including celebrities like Funke Akindele, Olayode noted that some captions referencing body weight and physical attributes are disrespectful.
- The actress called for Christians to maintain a sense of reverence, arguing that the name of Jesus and the Holy Spirit should not be reduced to punchlines for digital engagement.
Nollywood star Juliana Olayode, widely known for her role in Jenifa’s Diary, has taken a firm stand against the viral “Holy Spirit, Carry Me” trend, urging social media users to stop “clouting” with sacred things.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a detailed post on her Instagram page, the actress expressed her discomfort with how the trend, which originally stems from a soulful song of prayer, is being repurposed for comedy and lighthearted “vibes.”
EDITOR’S PICK
- 540 Candidates Cleared as Lagos APC Moves to Elect LGA Executives
- Court Sentences Pastor to Death for Killing UniUyo Student
- Lagos Teacher Questions Lack of Recognition for One-Day Governor Mentors
Olayode highlighted specific instances where users attached captions such as “Holy Spirit no carry me because of my big nyash” or references to their body weight.
According to her, such comments are cringeworthy and show a lack of understanding of the deity being addressed.
She questioned whether participants truly grasp the magnitude of the Holy Spirit, noting that believers of other religions would never treat their prophets or symbols of worship with such levity.
The trend has exploded on platforms like TikTok, where users often use filters or imagery, frequently a bird, to symbolize the Holy Spirit.
While she acknowledged that the original intent of the song is a “beautiful prayer,” Olayode lamented that the Nigerian online culture of “catching cruise” has crossed a line into irreverence.
“Everything can’t always be fun and games, not when it concerns someone so precious,” she wrote, emphasizing that Christians have become too casual with their faith.
Despite the trend being participated in by several notable colleagues in the film industry, including Mercy Johnson and Funke Akindele, Olayode’s critique focuses on the specific derogatory or self-deprecating captions that dilute the spiritual significance of the message.
Her comments have sparked a conversation online about the boundaries of comedy in religious contexts and whether the quest for viral content has eroded traditional values of respect and honor in the digital age.
