Google on Wednesday disclosed that ‘mother’, ‘women’s rights, ‘music’, ‘movies’, and celebrities were the most searched words on its platform in March 2021.
Mr. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communication Officer, Google, West Africa, said that reasons for mothers and women’s rights leading the top search in March could be attributed to International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day.
Kola-Ogunlade said that March 8 was International Women’s Day (IWD) and Nigerians joined the world to commemorate the cultural, political, social, and economic achievements of women.
He said that the theme, “Choose to Challenge”, urged women to take charge of their thoughts and actions and to call out gender bias and inequality.
According to him, it also marked a time to seek and celebrate women’s achievements in Nigeria.
“Interest in motherhood also peaked online during the month as Nigeria celebrated Mothers’ Day on March 14.
“In Nigeria, this special day, also known as Mothering Sunday, is when Nigerians traditionally honour mothers in appreciation for all they do. Everyone from celebrities and corporates to religious organisations, joined in the celebration.
“The serious business of motherhood and women’s rights, then some light entertainment in the form of movies, music, and celebs, reflected the mood of Nigerians in March, according to their Google Search behaviour,’’ he said.
According to him, the movie, ‘Coming 2 America,’ the sequel to the American 1988 comedy film Coming to America, which starred Eddie Murphy, also had Nigerians hitting the search key in March.
He said that while the movie featured Arsenio Hall and Wesley Snipes, Nigerians were more interested in the role played by multi-award-winning singer Davido, who made his international debut appearance with a cameo in Hollywood comedy.
Kola-Ogunlade said there was plenty of interest too for the 2021 Grammy Awards, with the 63rd event held in and around the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles on March 14.
He said that Afrobeat stars, Burna Boy and Wizkid, took home honours, with Burna Boy winning the Best Global Music Album category with his Twice as Tall Album.
According to him, Wizkid won the Best Music Video category for his song with Beyoncé, Brown Skin Girl from Lion King.
The communication officer said that searches for the 2021 Grammy Awards by Nigerians reached a high point as people celebrated the wins by Burna Boy and Wizkid, but “there was certainly also general interest in the other winners too.
“Other searches common amongst Nigerians during the month included the death of Nigerian veteran broadcaster and actor Sadiq Daba.
“The Nigerian singer, songwriter and rapper, Rema’s new single “Bounce”, came on too.
“Also, English television personality, Piers Morgan, leaving ITV’s Good Morning Britain following comments he made about the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, also made the top search.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that search trends information is gleaned from data collated by Google based on what Nigerians have been searching for and asking Google.
