Some weeks ago, a fair-complexioned Yoruba actor was quoted as saying that entertainers who support political parties are hungry; but nobody, especially his constituency, took him on publicly. It, however, came as a surprise to see the same actor on the podium at the campaign ground of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
It was not the case with the music industry. Singer-turned-columnist, Etcetera, referred to his former colleagues as ‘political prostitutes’ because they publicly showed their support for political parties and candidates.
According to him, the ‘political prostitutes’ include Olamide, Banky W, Don Jazzy, Flavour, Duncan Mighty, Dbanj, Mercy Johnson, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Ini Edo, Mama Gee, Naeto C, Joseph Yobo, Daddy Showkey, Kanu Nwankwo, Afro Candy and Sammie Okposo.
Aside disparaging these celebrities, Etcetera also took a swipe at the political aspirants. He wrote: “Using a celeb for election campaigns is as stupid as the political aspirants themselves dancing in their campaign musical videos. Imagine Jimmy Agbaje and (Akinwunmi) Ambode dancing in their campaign videos?”
Although he was on the list, Jude ‘MI’ Abaga was quick to defend his colleagues, as he took to the social media to reply to the write-up. In his tweets, MI said Etcetera should be ashamed because in the last few years he has done more to pull the industry down than help it grow and “classlessly criticises anything that puts money in your colleagues’ hands”.
As far as he is concerned, Etcetera is annoyed that he could not get any political endorsement, and if he had a large fan base, his lack of class and ethical compass as a writer shows he would probably support Hitler for the right sum.
This issue brings up questions: As Nigerians, are celebrities not allowed to affiliate with any political party or candidate? Is this one of the reasons celebrities don’t usually get the needed support from their constituency when they decide to vie for political offices?
