In a move that has split the internet down the middle, content creator Mimo Karanja celebrated her 30th birthday not with cake and candles, but with a coffin and pallbearers.

The travel and beauty influencer staged a "funeral" for her twenties, complete with a black veil, a hearse, and men in suits carrying a casket. The macabre photoshoot has gone viral, sparking a heated debate on creativity versus cultural sensitivity.

Art or Attention?

Mimo defended the concept as a symbolic "burial" of the past—the mistakes, the struggles, and the naivety of youth—to be reborn into a wiser, bolder decade. "I am burying the old me to give birth to the woman I am becoming," she posted.

• The Backlash: Critics argue that playing with death is taboo in African culture. "We do not mock the grave," one user commented. Others felt it was a desperate cry for clout.
• The Support: Fans praised the artistic direction, noting that 30 is often seen as a daunting milestone for women. By embracing the "death" of her youth, Mimo is taking control of the narrative.
• Viral Marketing: Regardless of the sentiment, the stunt worked. Mimo’s engagement numbers have skyrocketed, proving that in the creator economy, shock value is a valid currency.

A New Trend?

Mimo isn't the first to pull this stunt, but she did it with a uniquely Kenyan flair. As influencers push boundaries to stand out, the line between celebration and controversy continues to blur. Happy Birthday... and RIP to the 20s.