Just Charly by Charly Boy
Twitter: @Areafada1
The other day I was at the Rain Maker (Majek) press conference, a little anxious but mostly excited about the personal progress made so far in regards to his physical wellbeing. Anxious if the press in firing questions at Majek were going to be kind this time around or insensitive to his situation. The questions where mostly directed to Majek and my colleagues in the media were gentle, till one of them had to voice out what was probably on the minds of most of them.
“I am seeing a different picture in front of me, and I am pleasantly shocked at the way you have answered all questions thrown at you. I came here expecting to meet someone incoherent, confused and off track, but I am faced with someone who is not only articulate, but who understands what is happening to him and is desirous of a positive change. I am glad I came here today or I wouldn’t have believed this,” the journalist said.
It was Majek’s answer that inspired this piece.
Majek: “When I first started my music career, the media played a massive role in making me the rain maker. Sadly, they have also been an instrument to my predicament. I have played with a lot of reputable international stars and done a lot of positive stuff, but this was never reported by the media in Nigeria. As I struggled with my addiction, the media hyped my struggle and made me feel more worthless than I already felt, because of my botched contract with Island Records. I am hopeful that as I make this recovery journey, that you all will be kinder to me and report stories that would reflect my victory from my addiction.”
Over the years I (CharlyBoy) have been called all sorts of names, but I no send and I didn’t back down. Some of us don’t have that tough skin. Intolerance is alive and well these days, and many of us are accustomed to thoughtlessly passing judgment or speaking negatively about someone we do not understand or things too deep for our minds to grasp. It is time we take care not to pass judgment on people who are challenged in one way or the other, and people who are simply different.
Nollywood movies like Dry (by Stephanie Linus) are made to educate and entertain the masses. Fictional characters like CharlyBoy are created for the purpose of entertainment. Our entertainers, actors and actresses did not sign up to have their real lives splashed all over the place. Watching a friend or you deal with a dysfunctional marriage or going through serious challenges is heart-breaking, now, just imagine all of one’s mistakes plastered all over the papers for some reporter’s screaming headline, because papers must sell. How would that make you feel? It is hard enough dealing with real life drama and these celebrities do not need to deal with it in front of a camera, or on the pages of the newspaper.
As for the need to write news about a “public figure”, how about using the media in making “public figures” accountable for our stolen wealth by sleazy Yahoo Yahoo politicians, priority. Report about someone that has the power to effect change on real issues in our environment. I’m still waiting for The Change. Abegi, free me joor.
Finally, I want to use this space to say a big thank you to all the people who contributed in cash, time and the show of love and support to our beloved Majek. Special thanks to Monica Omorodion. She recruited me into this campaign. To Dr Vincent for going beyond the call of duty. To my man Black Rice for being a friend indeed, and to our main man Chief Ayiri for picking up all the bills. May the good Lord bless each and every one for your support and kindness. It is well.
- Visit Talk Junction with Charly and Koko 08135518103 for more
