Nigerian singer, Omawumi (born Omawumi Boma Magbele), has shared her perspective on how relationships have changed over time, pushing back against the idea that modern dating is more transactional.
Speaking during a podcast session with Pulse Nigeria, the singer explained that exchanges in relationships are not new but have simply taken different forms across generations.
According to her, what people call “transactional” today existed in simpler ways in the past.
“I disagree because women have had ‘long throat’ since the beginning of time, but our own form of transaction was different. Back in secondary school through university days holding hands or crushing on someone, you would just buy them ice cream and popcorn. But now, it’s iPhones.”
She made this known while addressing the topic of relationship dynamics, arguing that the concept is often misunderstood.
Omawumi noted that mutual effort has always been part of relationships.
“There has always been some level of transaction. When you use the word ‘transactional,’ you make it sound too strong. If I’m with a man who showers me with gifts, I always try to match that energy,” she said.
She also spoke about how relationships are perceived, especially when it comes to women, stating that people tend to focus on what women receive without noticing how they give back in other ways.
“Most people don’t see women matching the energy; they only see them receiving. So some men go overboard, especially because they are attracted to ‘shiny objects.’ And it’s not just one person they like, so everyone is competing for attention.”
Addressing what she sees as a key issue in today’s relationships, she pointed to inconsistency.
Omawumi explained that people often reduce their effort after the early stage of attraction, which can affect relationships over time.
“And after you get what you want, all the effort you put in at the beginning reduces. No—you have to keep up the energy,” she added.
