Celebrities and their struggle for relevance

Celebrities are humans too, do not pedestalize them.

One week ago, reports of veteran Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji checking into a rehab facility overseas threw social media into disarray.

The revelation stunned fans of the renowned actress who has been portrayed as a role model and established as the ideal woman representing Africa across the globe.

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Genevieve who recently turned 43 is one of the most popular celebrities in the Nigerian entertainment industry, however, behind the glitz and glamour there is a woman who is facing her own trials and tribulations.

She is rich, beautiful and embodies the perfect life; albeit something was still missing.

What could it have been?

Only Genevieve Nnaji could give a convincing response to this question.

Most commentators on the microblogging site, Twitter believed Genevieve is an angel, she cannot be cocooned in life trauma because her life is bliss.

A perfect life is a lie, don’t be blinded by celebrity obsession.

In recent years, we have seen some notable celebrities embark on the journey to the great beyond just like everyone else. They probably died in penury or due to severe health ailments.

Someone needs to tell netizens to suppress their intense pedestalization of celebrities and simply acknowledge them for who they are; talented individuals who are fortunate to find their way into the mainstream.

Celebrities are humans too, indeed, they deserve respect; admiration, and honour, but not glorification.

Despite their impressive network and influence, they are limited; there is a war equally ongoing in the recess of their hearts.

Of course, everyone has a favourite superstar, albeit the obsession with celebrities in modern-day Nigeria is fast becoming questionable and unbearable.

The majority of Nigerians have turned their faves into ‘demi-gods’, believing they can do no wrong and are always prepared to lose their moralism to vindicate their role models.

Nigerians need to start asking themselves what exactly these celebrities represent not only in front of the camera but also behind closed doors.

Celebrities are vulnerable individuals with massive followership; they are susceptible to errors and also have their own flaws. While society looks up to them for purpose and direction, the majority of these stars are seeking methodologies to hide their flaws.

While there are allegations of Genevieve Nnaji’s ongoing mental health ailment; let’s talk about the promiscuity that celebrities are promoting with their content.

In the latter part of 2021, a certain celebrity was dubbed a ‘queen and more’ after she failed to control the dissemination of her lewd tape on social media. Tiwa Savage, one of the most fascinating vocalists in the music sector garnered sympathizers from across the globe after her video leaked.

Her colleagues dubbed her a ‘strong woman’ following her negligence.

Afterwards, another controversial video of a much younger musician debuted on social media.

Oxlade was eulogized for his prowess on the bed; his video littered the internet, instigating the mantra that ‘promiscuity is the new cool’.

Once again, what do these celebrities represent?

Oftentimes, the common man on the street turns a blind eye to the discrepancies of these renowned celebrities because they fail to understand that there will always be consequences to these irresponsible moments; a ripple effect.

In April 2022, the video of a 10-year-old scholar engaging in ‘adult exercise’ with her peers went viral online. Netizens kicked, commentators and keypad warriors gave their hot takes without necessarily holding the primary influencers accountable.

It’s a vicious cycle, being a person of influence isn’t about only trending on Twitter and unravelling new vehicles on Instagram.

The role of a celebrity is to speak for a generation through his/her art and actively engage in the development of the burgeoning generation.

Not every entertainer will be remembered because they will fizzle like the words written at the shore of the ocean. Creatives should address realistic issues instigating chaos and pandemonium in our society.

Nigerians should begin to hold celebrities accountable for their actions; including their productions, publications, and the subtle dissemination of heinous ideologies in our society.

Naira Marley’s music in 2019 witnessed the glamorization of internet fraudulence in this part of the world.

Despite internet fraudulence aka yahoo being a nefarious practice; it has become normalized in the country and has unofficially become a form of ‘profession’ in Nigeria. The common man on the streets wants to make quick cash, hence, he delves into the ‘hustle on the street’.

This explains why we see a handful of teenage boys prepared to kidnap and engage in ritual killing just because they want to experience epicurean life.

These celebrities are trying to make money; they are ravenous, and they will sell mediocre content and engage in cheap clout chasing just to stay relevant.

Parents should lecture their offspring and guide them through life. Schools must unravel the proper education to the scholars and religious bodies should find a way to build the esteem of their followers.

Celebrities are equally disturbed souls seeking meaning in their own lives. They are not perfect; desist from pedestalization or meet your despair upfront.