Just like femininity, the construct of masculinity worldwide is being reimagined. It has evolved into a modern concept that finally accommodates the humanity of men. In typical African households, many young boys grew up hearing the same commandments: “Men don’t cry,” “Be strong,” and “Act like a man.” Vulnerability in nearly all its forms was forbidden. Somehow, anger was the only emotion smiled upon as masculine.&nbsp;

&nbsp;However, today that narrative is changing, albeit slowly and with all kinds of resistance. Young men in our society who were stripped of their permission to feel emotions quite early in life are now teaching their male children that they can be expressive and still be manly.&nbsp;

They're teaching them to love wholly, without the fear of being judged. To convey their feelings clearly in all forms of relationships. And the best part? These men themselves are becoming more vocal about showing up for one another.&nbsp;

To further detach from the traditional, exhausting list of “dos and don’ts” for men, take a glance at some of the top dogs in entertainment and how they’re redefining the rigid rules of masculine presence:&nbsp;

The two Nollywood stars publicly affirmed the depth of their friendship without flinching on a <a href="https://youtu.be/STPhsfcUgKw?si=udUph3Doa5MeUFU5">podcast</a>, Living Boldly with Queen Martins, very recently. Contrary to the popular belief that their relationships are mostly “cruise”, they both attested to how much deeper male friendships go these days, using the close-knit bond they share as a case study.

On social media, men are hyping themselves like proud <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLTE0-hM6IW/">brothers</a> and even going the extra mile to create content just to promote each other's work.&nbsp;

&nbsp;When they do let us behind the curtains, we see how some of the best collaborations are born from nothing more than pure vibes.&nbsp;

The bromance is not just visible but audible everywhere you turn. Open your Spotify app, and you hear musicians hopping on each other’s tracks, just like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=850131640894608&amp;id=100076933384130">Olamide and WizKid</a>, the close friends of over 15 years with six songs together. Log into YouTube and see skitmakers building entire series around their best friends, e.g., Enioluwa and Tobe Szn. There’s a new language of male affection unfolding right before us. Collaboration has become the love language. Public displays of affection like hugging are also no longer reserved for women alone. The big bros are doing it too. Don't be deceived; behind the teasing, play-fighting, and inside jokes in comment sections, the real proof of how deep the brotherhood runs is in the empires they're building together. <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@perliksdefinition_/video/7530260465566469381">Femi Dapson and Perliks</a>, for instance, have practically turned playful chaos into their friendship brand...when they're not busy creating the most talked about music videos in town at<a href="https://nouvellefilms.tv/"> Nouvelle Films</a>.

<a href="https://www.ndtvprofit.com/trending/when-is-international-mens-day-2025-date-theme-history-significance-and-more">Happy International Men’s Day</a>, gentlemen! We hope you celebrate this special day by embracing a masculinity that honours your humanity, welcomes love, and enriches your entire life.

Outdated constructs of masculinity are breaking down, and these stars are good examples of what redefining it means.



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