Entertainment

Why I disowned my father, Charly Boy opens up

Published

3 years ago

February 5, 2022

Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa popularly known as Charly Boy

The dream of every father is to see his son take after him in many ways and perhaps, continue his legacy even after he has gone to the great beyond.

But this was not the same story with renowned Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, whose big dream and desire to see his son, Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa popularly known as Charly Boy toe his noble path was frustrated by the latter’s unrepentant quest to create his own identity outside of his father’s looming shadow.

The youthful Charly Boy then was a complete opposite of what his late father stood for, while he lived.Being eager to chart his own course, Charly Boy rebelled against parental interference in his career path with a determination to deliver himself as a gift to his generation, a decision he paid dearly for, but never regretted in any way.While his late father was a legal luminary, Charly Boy opted for the streets dashing the high hopes of his father for him.

To make matters worse, the Area Fada as he’s fondly called by his admirers rejected the plum job at Mobil Oil and Gas that was already secured for him by his influential father ahead of his return from the United States after his studies.Rejecting that job, however, triggered the anger, hatred and beef that lingered between father and son for almost a lifetime.

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They, however, both reconciled their differences before his father’s exit.Meanwhile, recounting the genesis of his fight with his late father back in time, while featuring on Plus TV Africa, Charly Boy said the fight was based on the fact that he wanted to break out of his father’s shadow.

The maverick musician said that he believed in creating his own identity and sustaining it no matter the odds.His words: “My father wasn’t happy with me and for me, I was tired of living under his shadow. I wanted to break out and do my own thing. So, when he asked me what I wanted to do, I told him that I wanted to become an entertainer. Everybody was disappointed in me. And that was when I decided I was going to cut the biblical chord between myself and my parents.”

Charly Boy described his relationship with his late father back then as ‘messed up’, saying, “We weren’t talking to each other. In fact, I can boldly say that I disowned my parents. It got to a point where I couldn’t really take care of my family. I was living with my incumbent wife at a time in the village.”

For him, it’s like a burden to have a public figure as a father. “For instance, look at Femi Kuti, legendary Fela’s son. Fela was that big but could you imagine the struggle Femi at a time was going through to define his own identity. No matter what he will do at a time, he can’t be like his father. I didn’t want to live under anybody’s shadow.”On rejecting the Mobil Oil and Gas plump job, Charly Boy said he never wanted to work for anybody in his life.

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According to him, “You can’t just wake up one early morning and hand over a letter of appointment to me, asking me to resume work immediately. I wouldn’t take that from anybody. I never had any discussion with my father that I was looking for paid employment. So, when he gave me the appointment letter, while living in Owerri, I told him I wasn’t going anywhere. And that was when our fight really started.”

“Luckily for me, he was just promoted as a Supreme Court Judge. He moved to Lagos, while I relocated to the village. It was in the village that I started building the brand called Charly Boy. Those were the darkest seven years of my life because that was when I came to appreciate poverty. Village is where elderly people and senior citizens go to relax and fade out. There’s no prospect in the village even though I had a recording studio there.

“Sometimes, parents are overbearing and they worry a lot about their children. I have learnt from my parents to worry less. I’m sure my father’s wildest dream when I was 15- 20 years was to take after him. He believed I wanted to throw away my life, but I know what I wanted. I wasn’t going to throw away my life, but I was going to do it in my own way,” Charly Boy stated.

While sojourning in his village, Oguta in Imo State, Charly Boy lost the support and care of his parents to the point where life became miserable to him. In order to survive, the maverick musician allowed his American wife, Lady D who became one of the strongest forces behind the success of the Charly Boy brand, to travel back to the United States to make money for their upkeep.

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Recalling the experience, Charly Boy described living in the village as ‘horrible’, adding “those were the darkest seven years of my life.“You can imagine one leaving America to end up in the village with no water, no power supply. We were stuck in the village. The beginning seemed alright because I quickly set up an emergency studio where guys were coming to patronize me. But after the first year, everything dried up and people weren’t forthcoming again. That was when I learnt how to eat bread and groundnut for breakfast, lunch and dinner. That was what I could afford for my family at a time. So, for three years when I was battling with poverty, I asked my wife to travel back to the United States to hustle to support me. She was there for four years sending money back home for our upkeep”.

Charly Boy also recalled how his path and that of popular artiste, Tyna Onwudiwe who played a major role in creating the Charly Boy brand crossed.

Recalling, he said “During one of my rare trips to Lagos to scout for a recording company to accept my body of work, I met Tyna Onwudiwe of blessed memory. That woman did a lot of work on me. She was the one that restored my confidence. Seven years in the village robbed me of my confidence.

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How I lost over $3.7m in 2024 – Comedian Mark Angel

Published

1 week ago

January 6, 2025

Trends Admin

How I lost over $3.7m in 2024 – Comedian Mark Angel

Popular comedian Mark Angel has reflected on the trials and lessons of 2024.

According to him, 2024 was the hardest year of his life but it also turned out to be a transformative year that deepened his resilience, faith and understanding of grace.

Mark Angel claimed suffered a huge financial loss in 2024, losing over $3.7 million in forex trading due to trusting the wrong people.

This loss led to a series of devastating events, including crippling debt and the loss of his properties.

According to him, the emotional toll of these events was so severe that he admitted to having suicidal thoughts at his lowest point.

However, with the help of therapy, divine intervention, and the support of loved ones,he said he was able to pull through the darkest period of his life.

He expressed gratitude to daughters, Victoria and Mila, who reminded him of the beauty of life; his ex-wife, Mandy, who showed him kindness and his friends, Blessing and Bright, who stood by him through thick and thin.

He also revealed that he faced another challenge in 2024 about a scandal that shook the foundation of his career and exposed the disloyalty of some people in his circle.

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However, Mark said he chose to see this experience as an opportunity for growth, allowing God to reveal truth and foster resilience in him.

He wrote: “The year 2024 began like every other year, but I had no idea how much it would test me how much it would break me, yet ultimately reshape me. It was the year I lost everything. I trusted the wrong hands in forex and lost all my money. Nobody knew except my family and closest circle. The weight of the loss, over $3.7 million was suffocating. I was drowning in debts, and one by one, I watched all my properties slip into the hands of loan sharks. It felt like my world was crumbling, and in my darkest moments, I considered ending it all.

“But God… If not for His mercies, I wouldn’t be here writing this. He sent angels into my life when I needed them the most. Blessing, my friend who became family, never gave up on me. My pastor and his wife stood by me, praying and guiding me. My daughters, Victoria and Mila, reminded me of the beauty of life, even when it felt unbearable. My ex-wife Mandy extended a hand of kindness I will never forget. My son, Schoolboy, showed me strength beyond his years. And Bright, my social media assistant, stood as a pillar in moments I thought I’d collapse.

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“While I was still trying to heal, undergoing therapy to recover from the trauma, life dealt another blow. A scandal hit, shaking the foundation of my career and questioning the loyalty of those around me. It was in that storm that God began to uncover the truth. He exposed the fake friends, the pretenders, and the ones who had been silently sabotaging my peace and my circle. It was painful, but it was necessary.

“2024 was the hardest year of my life, but it was also the year God drew me closer to Him. Through the ashes, He taught me resilience, faith, and the true meaning of grace. I don’t take it for granted that I’m alive today. To everyone who stood with me, prayed for me, and held me up when I had no strength left, thank you.

“Here’s to God’s unwavering faithfulness. If 2024 taught me anything, it’s that even in the darkest valleys, His light never stops shining.”

Entertainment

Burna Boy, Cubana Chief Priest feud rocks social media

Published

2 weeks ago

January 5, 2025

Trends Admin

Cubana Chief Priest, Burna Boy

Burna Boy, Cubana Chief Priest feud rocks social media

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a stern warning to Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy over alleged uncharitable and divisive remarks perceived to target the Igbo race during his ongoing social media spat with celebrity businessman Cubana Chief Priest.

A statement signed by HURIWA National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, on Sunday cautioned Burna Boy to steer clear of tribal undertones in his disputes and avoid comments that could foster disunity or perpetuate ethnic stereotypes.

“The feud between Burna Boy and Cubana Chief Priest reportedly erupted when the singer referred to the businessman as “Owerri Rick Ross” in a social media post, which many interpreted as a jab.

” Cubana Chief Priest responded by accusing Burna Boy of owing money for jewelry purchases, escalating the altercation into a public spectacle. However, what has drawn significant attention and condemnation is Burna Boy’s apparent attempt to drag the Igbo identity into the fray,” HURIWA said, describing the move HURIWA as unwarranted and offensive.

The rights group emphasized that while public figures are entitled to disagreements, introducing ethnic sentiments into personal disputes is a dangerous precedent that could undermine national unity.

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The association decried Burna Boy’s mention of “Igbo voice” and his insinuations regarding the Igbo community as a reckless and unjustifiable attack on an entire ethnic group.

“HURIWA is deeply disappointed by Burna Boy’s comments during his altercation with Cubana Chief Priest. While he has every right to defend himself against allegations, resorting to veiled ethnic attacks is a troubling manifestation of Igbo phobia, which must not be tolerated. The Igbo people are a great race with a rich history of resilience, enterprise, and unity. Dragging their identity into a personal spat is not only disrespectful but also dangerously divisive,” the statement read.

HURIWA urged Burna Boy to focus on addressing the specific issues raised by Cubana Chief Priest without resorting to language or sentiments that could alienate or offend any ethnic group.

The group reminded the singer of his influential status and the responsibility that comes with being a global cultural ambassador for Nigeria.

“As an internationally celebrated artist, Burna Boy represents not just himself but the entirety of Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage. His words carry weight and have the potential to influence millions of fans across the globe. It is therefore imperative that he conducts himself in a manner that promotes unity and respect for all ethnic groups,” HURIWA stated.

The association expressed concern over the growing trend of public figures using tribal references to score points in personal disputes, warning that such actions could exacerbate tensions and foster distrust among Nigeria’s ethnic groups. HURIWA called on all Nigerians, especially those in the public eye, to refrain from actions or comments that could sow discord.

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“Burna Boy’s remarks are a stark reminder of the need for caution in public discourse. Nigeria is a nation of diverse cultures and ethnicities, and it is incumbent upon every citizen, particularly public figures, to uphold the principles of mutual respect and unity. We urge Burna Boy to retract his statements and issue an apology to the Igbo community for his uncharitable remarks,” HURIWA said.

While addressing Burna Boy, HURIWA also advised Cubana Chief Priest to ensure that his responses remain focused on the matter at hand and devoid of any rhetoric that could escalate the situation further. The association urged both parties to prioritize constructive dialogue over inflammatory exchanges.

“Cubana Chief Priest, like Burna Boy, holds a position of influence and should be mindful of his words and actions. The ongoing feud should serve as a moment for reflection rather than escalation. Both parties have a responsibility to their followers to model behavior that fosters understanding and respect,” the group stated.

HURIWA called on Nigerian artists and influencers to use their platforms to promote unity and national cohesion. The group stressed the importance of leveraging their reach and influence to address critical issues affecting the nation, rather than engaging in actions that could deepen divisions.

“As Nigeria grapples with numerous challenges, from economic hardship to insecurity, it is essential for public figures to unite in championing causes that uplift the nation. Feuds laced with ethnic undertones only serve to distract from these pressing issues and erode the trust and unity needed to address them,” HURIWA concluded.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, justice, and human rights in Nigeria and pledged to continue holding public figures accountable for actions and statements that undermine national unity.

Burna Boy, Cubana Chief Priest feud rocks social media

Entertainment

Kano suspends Kannywood actress over indecent dressing, provocative content

Published

2 weeks ago

January 4, 2025

Trends Admin

Kano suspends Kannywood actress over indecent dressing, provocative content

The Kano State Censorship Board has announced a one-year suspension for renowned Kannywood actress, Samha Inuwa, barring her from participating in any film productions.

This decision came after several citizens raised concerns about her “revealing attire and provocative videos.”

In a statement released by Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, the Information Officer of the Kano State Censorship Board, it was disclosed that Samha had received numerous warnings regarding her “crude dressing, vulgar displays, and inappropriate language in some of her videos.”

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The board further stressed that her behavior had breached the cultural and moral standards upheld by the state.

Along with the suspension, the board also revoked Samha’s license and stopped the censorship of any films featuring her.

“The Kano State Censorship Board is empowered by law to ensure that all videos, writings, and other forms of expression adhere to the state’s religion, culture, norms, and values,” the statement noted.

The board added that the suspension is part of its ongoing effort to maintain moral standards within the Kannywood film industry and enforce its established regulations.