LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nollywood actress Juliana Olayode has publicly rebuked the viral “Holy Spirit carry me” trend sweeping social media, warning that what began as a spiritual expression is fast turning into irreverent entertainment.
The trend, popular on TikTok and inspired by Nathaniel Bassey’s hit song ‘Carry Me’, features users calling on the Holy Spirit, often depicted as a bird while pairing the phrase with humorous or self-deprecating captions. While many participants frame it as lighthearted fun, Olayode believes some posts cross a line.
Taking to Instagram, the actress clarified that invoking the Holy Spirit in prayer or song is not the issue. However, she strongly criticized captions that tie the phrase to jokes about body image and physical attributes.
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“It’s absolutely okay for us to ask the Holy Spirit to carry us; that’s a powerful prayer and a beautiful song. What I don’t quite understand are some of the captions that are turning it into a cruise. Seeing captions like Holyspirit no carry me because of my big nyash, because I get weight, because he no like small things, makes me cringe. Do we know who we’re talking about here? The Holyspirit?!” Olayode wrote.
Furthermore, the actress urged Christians to treat their faith with greater reverence, stressing that sacred figures should not become punchlines for online engagement.
“Please, let’s be careful. Let’s not reduce something sacred to a joke. Please, let’s honour and revere the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not for trends or a punchline for attention. Let’s honour Him,” she continued.
In a more urgent appeal, she compared the casual tone of the trend to how other religions treat their prophets and deities.
In her words, “I know we like to joke and catch cruise online, and sometimes it’s really just vibes. But I’ve been feeling a bit uncomfortable; we Christians take too many things with levity. People of other religions wouldn’t dare mention the name of their prophet or god without honour. We throw the name of JESUS around with no regard for the Holy Spirit? No, please, it’s a No! No! Everything can’t always be fun and games, not when it concerns someone so precious, not when it concerns THE HOLYSPIRIT. For me personally, we can make jokes, do fun things, and be joyful without being careless. Just sharing my heart.”
Meanwhile, the trend continues to gain traction, with several Nollywood stars, including Funke Akindele and Mercy Johnson joining the viral wave.
