By: Evan Bian

The Yoruba phrase “Sòro Sókè,” which means “Speak louder,” is used in protests against police brutality in Nigeria. Critics accused Aina, who is Nigerian American, of trying to “profit” off the movement. Youtuber Jackie Aina is accused of using a Nigerian protest slogan for her new candle collection.

On Thursday, Aina’s home goods brand FORVR Mood announced four new candles, one of which was named “Sòro Sókè.” The phrase, which translates to “Speak louder” in Yoruba, was a rallying cry used in demonstrations against police brutality in Nigeria. Aina has been criticized for her silence on the #EndSARS movement, a youth-led campaign to disband Nigeria’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The annoucement of the “Sòro Sókè” candle released a huge wave of criticism against Aina. In a YouTube video about the name, Aina said the sandalwood and cardamum-scented candles were “bold,” and said she wanted to “give it a name that kind of matched the energy” of the fragrance.

“Young people were dying in Nigeria and this is what Jackie Aina posted in support of the movement because ‘aesthetics must aesthetics,’” Twitter user TheOluwabukunmi said. “She now wants to make money off that same movement? Nope, not happening. How do we recall those candles, please?” Neither Aina or FORVR Mood have publicly taken action to the criticism of the new candles.