Our entertainers, actors and actresses did not sign up to have thier real lives splashed all over the place – Charly Boy On Majek Fashek

A heartfelt article by Charly Boy on Majek Fashek;

The other day I was at the Rain Makers ( Majek’s ) press conference, a
little anxious but mostly excited about the personal progress made so
far in regards to his physical well being. 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.

“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
am faced with someone who is not only articulate, but who understands
what is happening to him and is desirous of a positive change. Im glad I
came here today or I wouldn’t have believed this.

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 stuffs, 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 are made to educate/entertain the masses, like the
movie DRY. Fictional characters like CharlyBoy are created for the
purpose of entertainment. Our entertainers, actors and actresses did not
sign up to have thier real lives splashed all over the place. Watching a
friend or yourself deal with a disfuntional marriage or going through
serious challenges is heartbreaking, now, just imagine all of one’s
fuckups plastered all over the papers for some Raz reporter’s screaming
headline, because paper 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 news
paper. 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 slizzy 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 I was recruited
by her 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 everyone for your support and kindness. It is well.