German Glamour Model Martina Big, Now Malaika Kubwa, Plans African Move After Tanning Injections and Extreme Surgeries

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Published: 05:28 PDT, 18 March 2025

Martina Big, a 36-year-old German-born glamour model who was naturally white with fair skin, has revealed plans to move to Africa after using tanning injections to darken her complexion and identifying as a Black woman. Now going by the name Malaika Kubwa—meaning "Big Angel" in Swahili following a baptism ceremony—she says she feels a strong bond with the continent and its people.

Malaika, who claims to have the largest breasts in Europe at size 32T after multiple surgeries, has faced significant backlash, with critics accusing her of "blackface" and asserting she will "never be Black." Undeterred, she and her husband, Michael Groß, 38, are planning their relocation, having received invitations from fans across various African countries. "It hasn’t been easy to choose," Malaika said. "Currently, we have Kenya and Namibia on our shortlist. My husband and I had planned to emigrate a few years ago, but the pandemic hit."

Both Malaika and Michael use Melanotan, a synthetic hormone, to darken their skin, a practice that has drawn fierce criticism over the years. Despite this, Malaika remains confident they will be welcomed in Africa. She recounted her first trip to Nairobi in 2018, where locals recognized her and requested selfies. Having visited the continent three times, she believes it’s where she belongs.

Before the move, Malaika plans to undergo extreme cosmetic procedures in Europe, including buttock augmentation and nose-widening surgery. "My husband and I are still working on the schedule," she explained. "It’s especially important that I have my surgeries done here beforehand. Since I want them very extreme, I don’t know any surgeons in Africa who can do those." She hopes to resolve the remaining logistical issues soon to make their dream a reality.

Michael, however, has concerns about the practicality of the move. "Since most of my modeling jobs are in Europe and the US, Michael fears it will be difficult for me to earn money in Africa," Malaika admitted. Still, she remains determined, viewing the relocation as a vital step in her journey.

Malaika’s transformation has been controversial since she began using tanning injections. Married to Michael in Hawaii in 2018, the couple has openly discussed their shared identity as Black, with Malaika stating on television, "I can clearly feel that I am Black—but it’s hard to find the right words to describe it." Critics on social media have questioned her logic, with one viewer commenting, "No amount of cosmetic changes will affect your genetics. If you were born white, your children will be white."

Despite the criticism, Malaika is steadfast in her plans, eager to embrace what she sees as her new life in Africa.