Writer’s Disclaimer
I want to make it clear that what I am about to discuss in this article is truly my opinion and should not be used to generalize the topic that I am going to talk about and does not in any way represent the views of this platform.
With that said, I want to talk about the entertainment industry and particularly celebrities.
Now I know more than ninety percent of people reading this article would want to be famous, successful, rich and make head ways in the entertainment industry, after all, is that not the plan? I know many of us aspire to be like these celebrities we see on all media platforms, even I myself have those that I deeply look up to in the industry and those I pray to become like in the not too distant future.
I know many of us hope, dream and desire to be like these celebrities through any means possible, but have you really asked yourself, do I really want to be a celebrity, is it because of the fame, the money, the cars, the parties, the girls for guys and the guys for the girls and the vacations? I am not saying these are bad, after all, who would not want such things; even I would not say no if offered such things.
You see these guys all portray the good life, expensive lifestyle and a lot more on the media platforms at your reach, but have you ever bothered to ask what they are going through, the sacrifices and things they have given up just to keep up with their high lifestyle. Many have surrendered their freedom and privacy to the public, because as they say ‘a public figure is subject to the judgment of the public’. Many of them do all kinds of things to ‘’up’’ their game and remain relevant in the industry, like publicity stunts which we are all accustomed to. Many do hard drugs like marijuana and cocaine to get inspiration, confidence and more.
We know all of the sad passing of Mohbad and how he had a lot of issues with his former record label, Marlian Records before his death and the level of bullying he received from individuals like Sam Larry. His story is just one among the many tales of what Nigerian artistes go through in the hands of record labels.
Another sad tale is the one between KCEE, Ojazzy & Igwe Credo. The dispute here concerns ownership, royalties, commission and breaking of alleged promises made by all parties involved. I said this before and I will say it again, Dear artists and creatives always educate yourself about the business side of the entertainment industry because no matter what happens business is business and there are no friends in business. Be smart, get yourself a lawyer first then an intelligent manager and a good promoter. As much as you want to be savvy in this business never forget the place of patience and character in this business for it goes a long way in helping your career in the industry.
Many artists and creatives suffer from chronic depression, I know this may come as a surprise to you given that they are quite successful in society. But there is a lot of pressure on these individuals who are always in spotlight, expectations, personal battles and heights they are yet to attain. The recent development on Oladips is a perfect example of the madness that goes on in the industry. Things did not work out for him the way he wanted when he signed to the Reminisce owned Edge Records, depression, health challenges and according to the statement his management released at his reported demise, he was secretly battling some personal issues for two years.
Although there are some reports that he is not dead and this reminded me of Skiibii who pulled a death publicity stunt and we all know how that worked out for him.
But I should point out that artistes are quite known for having premonitions about their death, his case also reminded me of the iconic Rapper Da’Grin who released a song about his death and died shortly after it dropped. I should point out that artists always leave traces about their life issues in their art and it is important we pay attention as you could save a life by reaching out to them when you can to keep them going because it is not easy.
There are some who even go diabolical just for success in the industry, there have been various allegations against Rema with references to his album cover, neckless, music video concepts and even his stage performances; some even engage in illegal activities just to fund their careers in the industry and many other things, some years ago Naira Marley and Zlatan were arrested by the EFCC for internet fraud. Naira Marley even went on release a hit song after the ordeal with the EFCC.
Have I mentioned the rot that is going on in Nollywood, every year actors are die, sexual harassment, homosexuality, lesbianism, occultism and legends coming out from time to time to beg for money to save themselves from life threatening health conditions, can you imagine a legend like MR IBU begged for money publicly to save his life and you wonder what has happened to the welfare of actors especially for legends like John Okafor and what are the bodies concerned doing about it.
Don’t get me started on the fashion industry where accusation of fraud and sexual harassment are a normal occurrence. Even the young skit making industry is not spared as it is gaining some dark angles and it is not good. According to some unconfirmed sources many ‘YAHOO BOYS & GIRLS’ are using skit making as a front to cover their illicit online scams and organ harvesting businesses.
I am not trying to scare you, after all there are others who are in the industry and are doing things the right way that we could emulate, if we choose to but what I am trying to say is that, we should try and understand that the entertainment industry is no child’s play and you should know it takes a lot to really break into the industry, become successful and still stay relevant in the industry.
It takes more than talent, hard work and dedication. You should be able to know your reason for wanting to join this never-ending industry and what impact you are going to make because many have come, many have gone and many more will still go.
I know many people are struggling to enter, which is not bad due to the situation in the country everyone is looking for ways to make it in life, but mind you that you are going to give a lot in other to attain that which you desire in the industry. Do not forget there are a lot of responsibilities that come with the status of been a celebrity and if you are not careful it could make or mar you in times that follow. You should know when to draw the line and when not to, so that you don’t make wrong decisions that will lead to your untimely exit from the industry.
I urge you to define your goal, be smart, be wise because it is all in your hands. Dig this; it’s all in your hands!