Area Scatter
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Uzoma Odimara, popularly known as Area Scatter,[1] was a cross-dressing performer who gained popularity in the post-Nigerian Civil War era of the 1970s in Imo State, Eastern Nigeria.[2][3]
Early life
[edit]Area Scatter was born in Imo State, South East Nigeria; but the date of birth is unknown, as little is known about Area Scatter's early life.
Career
[edit]Scatter was reportedly a civil servant during the years of the Nigerian Civil War. Towards the end of the civil war, she disappeared into the woods and the reasons for her disappearance remain very elusive thus, adding an aura of intrigue to her narrative.[4]
After seven months and seven days secluded within Nigeria's vast and shrouded landscape, Scatter returned, renamed Area Scatter, and transformed into a woman. Some believe that through Scatter's seclusion, Scatter had experienced a spiritual transformation. Often, Scatter would wear long white gowns and her home feature various bones and skulls that represented good and evil. She rose to fame in the late 1970s for her unconventional and daring approach to entertainment. She was known for her flamboyant style as she would braid her hair, wear makeup, and fabrics while walking around in heels, and playing music in the homes of the upper class and the politically important.[5] She was also known for the thumb piano, beautiful voice, and charismatic presence.[6][7] In one of the few videos that exist of Area Scatter singing, she sings about a man who suffers because he is smaller than everyone else, but then one day, at the market, her meets another man who is smaller than him, and becomes elated to discover that someone is smaller than him.[6][8]
As an entertainer, Area Scatter performed as a cross-dresser, actor, comedian, and performer.[9][10][11]
Through her art, Area Scatter aimed to raise awareness and promote tolerance for gender diversity, using her talent as a platform to challenge societal norms.[12][unreliable source?]
Personal life
[edit]After her mysterious disappearance, she re-emerged from seclusion as a woman, boldly claiming that the gods had bestowed supernatural powers upon her.[13][14]
Little is known about what happened to Area Scatter or where she is today. Some believe that she died in a car accident, though little public information is available.
References
[edit]- ^ Iwalaiye, Temi (2022-08-02). "The long history of cross-dressing in Nigeria". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-09-28.
- ^ Agwu, Victoria (June 1, 2022). "Area Scatter: Nigerian Queer Icon". RECLAIMED.
- ^ Cole, Timinepre (February 6, 2024). "Spotlight: Area Scatter". The Rustin Times. Archived from the original on February 6, 2024. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
- ^ Okeke, N.C (1975). "The Enigma of Area Scatter: A Musical Odyssey". Imo Journal of Cultural Studies: 45–60.
- ^ "Adichie, Akwaeke and Area Scatter". The Nation. November 19, 2020.
- ^ a b Marre, Jeremy; Charlton, Hannah (1985). Beats of the heart: popular music of the world. New York: Pantheon Books. ISBN 978-0-394-74258-8.
- ^ Matebeni, Zethu, ed. (2014). Reclaiming Afrikan: queer perspectives on sexual and gender identities. Athlone, South Africa: Modjaj Books. ISBN 978-1-920590-49-9.
- ^ NostalgicSoundTV (2022-09-07). AREA SCATTER: Nigeria's First Publicly Known Crossdresser. Retrieved 2025-05-27 – via YouTube.
- ^ Adene, Gift (2020-03-16). "Bobrisky who? Meet Area scatter the first cross dresser in Imo state (Photos)". Kemi Filani News. Retrieved 2023-09-28.
- ^ "Meet 'Area Scatter' Nigeria's first publicly-known crossdresser". Premium Times. April 9, 2024. Archived from the original on April 9, 2024. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
- ^ "Before Bobrisky: Meet Nigeria's first crossdresser of the 1970s". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
- ^ Chuxlouis (2017-08-09). "THE CURIOUS CASE OF AREA SCATTER {was Area Scatter Nigeria's first ever known transvestite and celebrity cross-dresser ??}". Steemit. Retrieved 2023-09-28.
- ^ Yaakugh, Kumashe (2020-03-16). "Bobrisky's mummy G.O - Nigerians react to video of country's first cross-dresser". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 2023-11-28.
- ^ Okoro, A. I. (1982). "Gender and Identity in Nigerian Music: The Area Scatter Phenomenon". Journal of African Musicology. 15 (4): 120–135.