By Daddy Fair
This is not laughing at people's misfortunes, but what is happening to some Nollywood stars has become an embarrassment to themselves and the industry. May be it is not really new. It used to happen to footballers in this country. And still does. Then, musicians. Now it appears to be the turn of Nollywood people. We may call this the sudden wealth syndrome.
Most Black American stars whether in sports like boxing or entertainment were victims of this sudden wealth syndrome. Many ended in penury, others died as drug addicts. Evander Holyfield, one of the greatest heavyweight boxers became a bouncer in a Las Vegas hotel. Nigerian stars seem to have joined the infamous league.
It is almost becoming a tradition for players in the showbiz industry - movies, music etc - who had lived in the spotlight when the going was good at the bloom of their trade, only to become beggars living on the good will of the public at the slight change in fortune. One after the other, it has been the same story. So what happened to all the fame and fortune - the big cars, hotels, parties etc.
Incidentally, these are men and women that flaunted their riches, cars, houses and other goodies as expressions of their apparent success in their business. They were everywhere enjoying the red carpet and media blitz. Then, suddenly, there is a change in fortune either through sickness, accident or loss of opportunities, and they sooner than later resort to begging for financial assistance. The 'big' boys and girls who used to turn heads and induce envy suddenly become giants with clay foot.
The once bubbling and flamboyant artiste becomes a shadow of himself and a beggar overnight! He does not talk about his wealth again. And there's no shame in doing that! It has become a tradition today in Nigeria's showbiz industry. The recent case of Mr. John Okafor, Alias, Ibu, has again opened this Pandora box or can of worms. So what happened? Is it a trade in social capital by leveraging on the public name recognition, or truly a cry for help?
But Nigerians are beginning to react as.the trend persists. "I like and appreciate our local showbiz players. I buy their records, movies.etc. So, many of them are very comfortable and even display it. But I'm surprised that their wealth seems to disappear once they encounter any challenge," Donatus Onyeje, a fan of the arena noted. He stressed that either they are living a false life or they are reckless with the wealth and fail to plan and invest their money properly.
The Nigerian showbiz industry is, however, noted for small figures for their roles and acts and the players are at home with same, because of the shortage of roles. If an actor or musician tells you he collected 100k for a job, check it well, it might be less than 50k! A very popular actress, who is today one of the topmost recently confessed that she once collected N20000 for a top role. But they just want to be overated.
"That is why you can't tell when they are serious or not. They live false lives. Some of the lavish things they display on Facebook, for instance, are not theirs, or borrowed," another follower of the industry stated.
Up till date, therefore, no one can say precisely how much many of them earn from acting or related businesses.
Presently, aside from John Okafor, other people are down calling for help from the public. People are now wondering whether this has become another Nigerian factor, or plain jigbiti. They include Amechi Muonagor, Duro Michael, Harry Ezeokeke, Clem Ohameze and others, all soliciting for assistance openly from the general public!
But the question is, how did they really manage their resources when the going is good? How many people have they impacted in the form of support? It is had to say, but there a big lesson for all.
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