Another look at the Charley Boy rave

The path of self-discovery and originality from cradle to greatness is less travelled by sojourners because it is long, dusty and turbulent. There is usually no shortcut to the preferred destination. Great men like Charly Boy are not necessarily perfect. They only stand out from the crowd with a mark of distinction and deviation- daring to be who they truly are.

Thus, they see, think and act above the norm of events. They do not speak the language of the immediate generation and are rarely understood by contemporaries because they are future-based and in some cases stigmatized as controversial until their perspectives and actions, for which they were stigmatized be come obvious to the wondering society in retrospect.

Early in life, he, like the legendary Afro-beat King, the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti was tossed between upholding his aristocratic status as first son of the renowned Justice Chukwudi Oputa and establishing his originality on the sands of time by heeding the call of destiny to make a difference in his generation. He 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.

Today, Charly Boy is not only an entertainer, but a household name and an enigmatic social engineer who has carved a niche for himself with an amazing cult followership. C.B, as he is fondly called by close pals and loyalists, chose a different path against the wish of his people and consistently pursued his vision to reality. The seemingly lost child has now become one of the most respected of his family and a reputable figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

From the days of no slippers like our President, to the years of lost future in the village, the enigmatic Area Fada began his journey. When little or nothing is heard about those he started with, he has consistently kept his brand above boards. He is indisputably one of the most celebrated Nigerian entertainers, and obviously one of the richest celebrities in Africa.

Not much has been known over time about what he is worth in terms of wealth. But today, the seemingly lost sheep has become a child with a vision, and the same parents we hear live in his family house in Gwarinpa- Abuja.

It will be recalled that he had reportedly acquired a second-hand Helicopter in 2009 for his family use. Investigation had revealed that he sold the Helicopter after one week of purchase due to some mechanical faults. However, the man who is synonymous with innovation zeal, zest and enthusiasm, has continued to amass wealth for himself and his family through his artistic ingenuity.

Charly Boy, who has been away to the United Kingdom for a tour, is rumoured to have just acquired another second-hand Helicopter worth $780,000.00.  It was rumoured that he bought the Helicopter from a company called Rim, which recently put up one of its Helicopters for sale.

It is so shocking to know that he has acquired apartments in every street in Gwarinpa, Abuja. It was further disclosed that out of his patriotism of the Estate, Galadima Bus Stop and his street were named after him. The different houses he possesses have been put out to rent, as most of the tenants do not even have ideas on who owns them, as they deal strictly with the agents and his lawyers.  His 25 buildings in Gwarinpa cannot be disputed.  In recognition of his antecedents as a social engineer, some Bus stops in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Benin have been named after him.

Despite the success, many troubling questions abound. Why has his life remained eccentric? Many have concluded that it is as a result of his wealth that he continues to spend money on make-ups, eccentric costumes. Some have said that it is because he feels so successful that he now sleeps in Coffins, keeps Python as a pet and a host of other weird things he does.  Even at that, he is obviously not deterred by mounting criticisms as he appears to be too comfortable with his life-style.

Despite his achievements, the General of the People’s army, as he is sometimes called, is down- to earth. This is not unconnected to the place he stands in the society. This could also be a strategy he has put in place to be associate freely with the masses he advocates for.

Apart from his wealth, not many are even aware that the Areafada is a grandfather. Charlyboy is said to be happy with his nine children who are all doing well in their various endeavors. They are mostly graduates. One of his sons is an Associate Professor at MIT, Boston.

 His meteoric rise from grass-to-grace is not just phenomenal, but inspiring. Certainly, behind every glory, there is a story. This is a story of vision, doggedness, consistency, tenacity, perseverance and great focus; an obvious inspirational story to the youths.

The Compass