Tina Turner Gets a Statue in Tennessee—But That Wig Has the Internet Talking

On September 27, 2025, a towering 10-foot bronze statue of Tina Turner was unveiled in Brownsville, Tennessee, just miles away from her childhood hometown of Nutbush. For a community that raised one of the greatest entertainers the world has ever seen, the tribute is monumental—literally.

The statue was made possible with partial funding from Ford Motor Company’s Blue Oval City project, which donated $150,000 toward its creation. That kind of corporate investment in cultural heritage is rare, especially in smaller Southern towns, making this not just a celebration of Tina, but also a statement about the value of Black cultural icons in American history.

Sculptor Fred Ajanogha’s Vision—and the Wig Controversy

The statue was created by Nigerian-born sculptor Fred Ajanogha, who said his mission was to capture Tina’s “dynamic stage presence” and that unforgettable mane of hair that became part of her brand. But here’s where things got messy.

The statue’s oversized wig has the internet buzzing. Fans on social media quickly pointed out that while Tina’s hair was always bold, the bronze version takes some creative liberties. Critics argue that it doesn’t match her historical looks—leaning more toward artistic interpretation than accuracy. Supporters, on the other hand, say the dramatic wig is exactly what Tina would’ve wanted: larger-than-life and unapologetically bold.

Let’s be real—Tina was the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. If anybody deserves an over-the-top wig carved in bronze, it’s her. But it does raise an age-old question: when we honor our legends, should statues be photorealistic, or should they capture energy and essence?

From Nutbush to the World

To understand why this statue matters, you have to know where Tina came from. Born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee, Tina grew up in a segregated South that didn’t make space for Black women to dream big. But she defied every odd stacked against her—breaking racial barriers in rock music, selling over 100 million records worldwide, and influencing generations of performers across genres.

Her resilience is well-documented in her autobiography and the 2021 documentary Tina. The abuse she endured, the racism she fought through, and the reinvention she pulled off in the 1980s are all part of why she remains such a powerful figure to honor today.

Why This Statue Hits Different

This isn’t just a statue—it’s a symbol of survival and triumph. For Tennessee, a state still wrestling with its history of segregation and racial inequality, immortalizing Tina in bronze is powerful. And for young girls walking past that monument, it’s a reminder that greatness can come from the humblest beginnings.

At the same time, the wig debate is proof of something deeper: Black women’s hair is always political. Even in bronze, people are dissecting how Tina’s crown is portrayed. That says a lot about how her legacy continues to spark conversations on representation, beauty standards, and artistic respect.

The Tina Turner statue in Brownsville may not please everyone, but it accomplishes its mission—it keeps her name alive, her story visible, and her presence larger than life. Tina wasn’t just a singer; she was a fighter, a trendsetter, and a trailblazer.

And if the wig is sparking controversy? Well, Tina knew a thing or two about controversy. Somehow, I think she’d smile at the fuss.