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 their wildest dreams, never thought they would attain their current standing in 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.
Wizkid’s car that was seriously wrecked
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.Uche Jumbo auto accident
Some find the demise of
celebrities too hard to bear. This is understandable, as despite harsh
government policies and a dwindling economy, they are able to make us
happy; they put smiles on our faces; they liven up our homes, streets,
vehicles, clubs 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.
Bukky Wright Auto Accident
written by Wale Odunsi
[email protected]
@WaleOdunsi