Apparently basking in the euphoria of a new status, many Nigerians in
showbiz throw caution in the wind in the process of “living it up”.
These days, hardly does a month end without news of someone in Nollywood
or the Music industry, getting involved in car accident or public
brawl...
This comes as no surprise, especially to those who are
in the know of the background of today’s stars. Most of them, even in
wildest dreams, never thought they would attain their current standing
in the society. In fact, not only do they talk about the rise to fame in
interviews, they also author books and record songs on it.
It is
worrisome that the mints these guys stack in bank accounts have
overwhelmed them, so much that some can no longer think properly. In
2013 alone, there have been at least a dozen auto crash involving
celebrities. On the average, that is a scary 2 to 3 cases per month.
Names like Samklef, Danagog, Maye Hunter, America, Nashville, Asa and
others form the lot.
The most recent involving fabulously
talented Ayo “Wizkid” Balogun, rattled virtually every music lover; this
is because the young man is adored by the younger generation.
The 23-year old has everything going on well. Good looks, sold out
concerts, record sales, endorsement for big-paying coys, successful
international tours, connection to foreign superstars, huge fan base,
that feminine attraction, houses and expensive cars, what is more? He
now has his record label, StarBoy Entertainment, with three acts
including Legendary Beatz signed on.
Weeks ago, the "I Love My
Baby" and "Pakurumo" crooner posted a picture of his newly acquired
Porsche Panamera. The car is priced at $80, 000 – $150, 000 (depending
on the sub-model). As expected, the photo went viral on social media.
But by 0400 hours of Saturday June 15, 2013, the same car had become a
wreck. The gist – as always – is that a tyre of the automobile burst
while on motion.
While we all thank God for sparing the lives of
our stars, isn’t it time we ask some questions. Bearing in mind the busy
schedules, why would someone driving a car worth N15million not take
such for regular checks? Or are expensive cars immune from faults?
It
is an open secret that our acts, and their entourage, sometimes use
“active agents” before and after attending/performing at events. It is
also an open secret these artistes or their friends sometimes get behind
the wheels under the influence of alcohol. But nobody is saying
anything, solely because of the blind love we have for them. I am not
saying this happened in the case of Wizzy, but it does happen.
Some find the demise of celebrities too hard to bear. This is
understandable, as despite harsh government policies and dwindling
economy, they are able to make us happy; they put smile on our faces;
they liven up our homes, streets, vehicles, clubs and parties and so on.
Our
celebrities have a responsibility to look after themselves and not live
life like there is a duplicate kept somewhere. They should for goodness
sake be more careful while on the road; they should ensure those around
them are the type that of positive influence; they should do away with
hard drugs and excessive alcohol; they should reciprocate our affection
by staying focused and do only the right things at all times. These
crashes are becoming too many; we don’t want to pass through another
agony please!
If you think you are popular and then go about
‘feeling fly’, the day you die an avoidable death, your name will trend
for a few days; news sites and blogs will as usual talk about it for, at
most, two weeks. The rest of us will move on. Live continues. Chikena.
