The Nigerian leisure scene is certainly a glamorous one stuffed with razzmatazz. Recognised and revered worldwide, the foremost gamers within the Multi-Million greenback business virtually dwell like royalty.

Indeed, glamour is the foremost motive many youths need to play in that area; unbeknown to them, there may be an unpleasant underbelly that’s the stark actuality and reverse of the shiny facade they see. TOFARATI IGE paints a graphic image of how a number of entertainers endure harassment and bullying, all within the hope of constructing the limelight or remaining related in it

A ticking bomb

Before his demise on September 12, 2023, it was evident {that a} promising singer, Ileorioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad, didn’t have peace of thoughts.

He was hounded, publicly humiliated and assaulted by thugs, alleged to be appearing on the orders of his former report label, Marlian Music, owned by controversial singer, Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley.

The late singer had tried to go away the report label because of some inside disagreements, however the firm refused to let him go, and issues degenerated quickly, taking a harmful twist.

Different movies that went viral on the Internet confirmed Mohbad being always assaulted at venues of video shoots, occasions and different public locations.

Fed up with the fixed humiliation, the late singer had cried out on social media, expressing his frustration in songs.

He even wrote a petition to the police, however sadly, he handed away with out getting the assistance he so desperately sought.

Incensed by the wanton oppression and bullying that the late singer suffered in his final days, thousands and thousands of Nigerians and followers internationally took to the streets and social media to demand justice for the late singer.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Idris Owohunwa, went on to represent a 13-member particular investigation crew to probe the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s demise.

Subsequently, Naira Marley and Sam Larry, who have been amongst these seen harassing the singer in a number of movies, have been arrested and detained on the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Panti, Yaba, Lagos, for over a month.

Though the case saddened many Nigerians and left them distraught, Saturday PUNCH’s findings revealed that bullying within the business could possibly be described because the norm, somewhat than an exception.

Several entertainers who spoke with our correspondent defined that bullying within the business was multi-dimensional and multi-layered.

While some entertainers are harassed by their administration crew, firm and colleagues, some are endlessly ‘tormented’ by followers.

Pandemic: An business filled with bullies

A budding singer, Ayokunle Ijabiyi, aka Hotvibes, instructed our correspondent that he felt emotionally scarred by the expertise he had with a music producer within the early days of his profession.

Narrating his ordeal, he mentioned, “I used to be freshly out of secondary college and I used to be decided to get into the music business as a result of I believed I used to be a proficient singer and instrumentalist.

“Having noticed my ardour and enthusiasm, my father reached out to a preferred music producer (identify withheld), in order that he may take me below his wings, present me the ropes and groom me for fulfillment.

“But, that dream by no means materialised. As a matter of truth, my horrifying expertise was the alternative of what my father and I envisaged.

“First, he did practically everything to prevent me from becoming successful. In all the time I spent with him, he never taught me how to make beats. Rather, he wanted me to remain in perpetual servitude to him. This was even as he constantly did things to make me feel less of a man. I was the one who usually cleaned the studio. I was also required to buy food for him and his guests and customers.”

With his voice subdued by the ache he felt, Hotvibes revealed that the producer in query was a temperamental individual, who typically hit him and others every time he was offended, together with in public.

The younger man finally needed to depart the producer in a depressed state and virtually stop music.

He mentioned, “He made me really feel like I used to be not proficient sufficient to achieve the music business. As a matter of truth, after I left him, I finished doing music for about three years. That was as a result of he made me really feel like I couldn’t make headway within the business, and had additionally instructed folks within the business to not work with me. We have been presupposed to have a mentor-mentee relationship, nevertheless it ended up being a slave-master affair.

“However, I am happy that I have moved on, and I am more confident in my abilities. Thankfully, things are getting better.”

Yet one other ugly incident of bullying that many received’t overlook in a rush occurred between Grammy Award-winning singer, Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy; and a fellow artiste, David Jumbo, aka Mr 2kay, in 2017.

At the time, Mr 2kay had granted an interview, the place he disagreed with the way in which Burna Boy had criticised pastors.

Shortly after the interview was aired, Burna despatched Mr 2kay a message on social media, which learn, “You better have that energy when I come for you because I’m coming for you.”

2kay might need thought little of the ominous message, however Burna Boy meant each phrase he wrote, after which some.

In October 2017, Mr 2kay was robbed and crushed in his room on the high-end Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The police finally arrested 4 folks, together with Burna’s highway supervisor, Joel, in relation to the case. The different three suspects allegedly confessed that they have been employed by Burna by way of his supervisor (Joel).

The then Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, revealed that the suspects bought a component cost of N50,000 earlier than the assault, and one other N50,000 straight from Burna Boy after the assault.

Years after the incident, Mr 2kay famous that although he had gotten over it, the saga had a unfavourable impact on him.

He instructed our correspondent in an earlier interview, “To be honest with you, I have taken my mind off it because, at some point, it was affecting me mentally. Whenever I hear doors opening or I see people with guns, flashes of the incident come back to me. However, I think it all started in an interview when a journalist asked me a question and I answered. But, he (Burna Boy) did not get it the right way. He flared up and it led to something else. We then exchanged some messages on social media before the incident happened.”

Shades of bullying

On her half, a preferred actress, Grace-Charis Bassey, previously Belinda Effah, expressed the opinion that bullying typically is available in completely different kinds.

She instructed Saturday PUNCH, “In my opinion, bullying is relative. Some types of covert bullying don’t appear to be bullying on the floor. Also, there are some acts that one would possibly name bullying, whereas others received’t see it that method.

“Back within the day, there was extra bullying within the business, however now, issues have developed to the purpose that they’re outright. However, I can solely talk about Nollywood, which is what I’m conversant with.

“The business isn’t so developed, and we regularly work with slim budgets. That may put one able the place one received’t get one’s entitlement. And, when one begins asking for these entitlements, it’d appear to be one is being troublesome.

“Also, there isn’t equal therapy within the business, as some individuals are handled extra specifically than others. There additionally appears to be a normal perception that one should kiss a** (eye service) earlier than one can advance.

“Back within the day, there have been sure folks within the business that will threaten that with out getting intimate with them, one received’t succeed. They would then go on to reel out the names of different stars who had performed ball with them up to now earlier than attending to the place they have been.

“However, issues like that by no means affected me. I’m a really affected person individual, and I consider in following due course of. I’m not inquisitive about chopping corners in a bid to get to the highest.

“It is also because of things like bullying that some people in the industry form cliques and associations, so they can protect themselves. Basically, it is a dog-eat-dog industry.”

Recalling her private bullying experiences, Bassey mentioned, “Yes, I had cases of bullying when I was coming up in the industry. Back then, some marketers (who practically controlled the film business then) would come to my hotel room and state that they would give me lead roles if I did certain things. It took me a long time in the industry before I could break even because I refused to agree to their demands. But now, things are quite different because more people are producing their own movies, so they don’t need others to make movies for them to be featured in.”

Entrenched norm

As far as a preferred comic, Kenneth Agberia, aka MC Shakara, was involved, bullying had turn into so entrenched within the business that each practitioner ought for use to it.

He instructed our correspondent, “As far as I’m involved, it (bullying) is regular. Every movie star needs to be used to it by now, besides they’re new within the business.

“When I was in my prime, there were certain events that I would never have my name on the bill because some set of people were in charge. If they feel that one is not in their league, or even if one has issues with another person they know, even if it does not concern them, they would sideline one. I can only pray that God would intervene because bullying has eaten deep into the fabric of the industry and it is caused by greed. It is basically like the animal kingdom, where they eat one another to survive.”

In an analogous vein, an actress, Nichole Banna, acknowledged that many bullies have been typically envious of the folks they bullied.

She mentioned, “The preponderance of bullying in the entertainment industry is because most bullies secretly wish to be in the position of the bullied so that they can also enjoy the fame and every other thing the person has.”

In an interview with our correspondent, a singer, Oluwatimilehin Olorunyomi, aka Bad Boy Timz, recalled that he was compelled to cease making music for one 12 months when he had points together with his former report label.

Narrating what transpired, he mentioned, “The kind of bullying I faced included being arrested at the instance of my former record label. The justice system in the country does not protect the average person from rich people. I did not release music for a year. I could not continue the contract, because I could not continue to work with someone that got me arrested for breaching a contract. It was not a conducive working environment for me.”

He added that he needed to repay the label and left the nation to clear his head.

On why he didn’t divulge heart’s contents to senior colleagues within the business, Timz mentioned, “Everyone just felt I was not loyal. Nobody knew what I was going through, and they didn’t care.”

Different strokes for various of us

For MC Shakara, bullying within the leisure business differed from sector to sector.

He mentioned, “Bullying within the comedy sector is sort of completely different from what obtains in music. In the music business, the bullying is sort of apparent and if an artiste isn’t able to abide by the principles of their report label, the administration of the label may begin oppressing the artiste.

“However, in the comedy industry, the bullying is indirect. One could have difficulties getting gigs because some influential people in the industry would ensure that gigs only go to comedians who are ready to kiss their feet. They would prefer to give someone who is not that funny, a job, instead of someone who is not in their clique. They would bully one, and one would become stranded.”

Fans responsible too

It isn’t uncommon to see followers making nasty and hurtful feedback about celebrities, notably on social media. And, many celebrities have accused followers of bullying them and making their lives troublesome.

An actor and politician, Yul Edochie, was the butt of jokes for a number of months in 2022 when it grew to become public data that he had taken an actress, Judy Austin, as his second spouse, and had fathered a son together with her.

He was roundly criticised by followers, who believed that he wronged his first spouse by marrying one other girl.

When months later, Kambilichukwu, the primary son of his first spouse, May, died, the criticism grew to become much more intense, notably as a result of many felt he didn’t present sufficient sobriety in mourning the deceased baby and comforting the grieving mom.

The social media movies he stored making with Judy additional infuriated many, who opined that it was an insult to his late son’s reminiscence.

However, within the wake of Mohbad’s demise, Yul acknowledged that the identical folks in search of justice for the deceased over allegations that he was bullied have been the identical ones bullying him for months.

His prolonged Instagram publish learn partially, “All of you in search of justice for Mohbad, plus the Nollywood folks, are usually not completely different from the those that have been maltreating Mohbad. You’re all demons and depraved folks, merely chasing clout. You’re all the identical individuals who have been insulting me for over one 12 months, bullying me on the Internet, and attempting so onerous to kill me for a matter that doesn’t concern you; just because I took a private resolution.

“How a lot of you fought for Mohbad when he was alive? Now that he’s useless, you might be utilizing him to attract site visitors to your web page. Useless folks. For over one 12 months, bloggers have been telling all types of lies in opposition to me; spreading pretend tales about me on Facebook simply to earn a living. Telling lies simply to destroy my identify. Just as a result of males don’t discuss. None of you is aware of what I see in my dwelling that impressed my resolution.

“What they did to Mohbad is what they’ve been doing to me on the Internet for over one 12 months. How many Nollywood folks got here out to say sufficient? You’re all ready for me to die, so you’ll be able to publish my image and write your nonsense. I misplaced my son. In the midst of the insufferable ache, some folks mentioned I used to be the one who killed my son. How a lot of you fought for justice (for me). Even my aunty by no means known as me to ask about what occurred. Instead, she makes use of me to attract site visitors to her web page.

“The bullying, insults and curses I have received on the Internet for over one year is enough to kill one or drive one to depression.”

Admitting to being scarred by on-line bullying, a plus-sized actress, Monalisa Stephen, acknowledged that her early days on social media have been ‘terrible’.

She instructed our correspondent, “When I joined social media, it was terrible. Total strangers seemed to think it was okay to insult me, just because I did not fit into the beauty standards they had in their heads. I was raised with love, so I didn’t understand how anyone could do that. Sometimes, I would reply to them, and if they were too aggressive, I would use the ‘block’ button. The most important thing is my peace of mind.”

However, viewing issues by way of a unique lens, Banna famous that as a result of she had a wholesome shallowness, she typically empathised with cyberbullies.

She instructed Saturday PUNCH, “I’m consumed with self-love, God’s love, the love of my sister and that of the few folks I let into my house. I’m really an introvert, and I put little or no details about my life on the market.

“One method or the opposite, I need all the things about me to level again at Jesus Christ. I actually can’t keep in mind any unfavourable feedback that had been thrown at me. And, if I have been to get any now or sooner or later, the very first thing I might do is to have empathy for the individual’s soul. By their remark, I might understand how a lot the individual lacks love, and I might pray for them.

“However, there are some comments I would not handle that way, especially if they are curses. I am very particular about words and would reject and cancel them immediately while rebuking the devil speaking through that person. I would then delete the comment so that no other person can read it and give voice to it. Words are powerful.”

But, MC Shakara opined that typically, the followers making hurtful feedback don’t actually imply them, however are simply goofing round.

Advising his colleagues within the business to not take such issues severely, he mentioned, “Some of those fans don’t even mean it (the hurtful comments). They come to one’s social media page just to catch a cruise (have fun). Perhaps, it makes them feel good to know that they can yab (abuse) a celebrity. Most of them don’t actually mean the things they say. If one takes them seriously, one would just be giving oneself unnecessary headaches. Some of those fans would even talk down on one online, but if they see one in person, they would celebrate one, and try to take pictures.”

Bullies additionally need assistance – Psychologist

A psychologist, Anu Sowobi, was of the opinion that some entertainers may have been scarred by bullying even earlier than entering into the business, noting that such may have an effect on their present behaviour.

She mentioned, “Bullying is often indicative of long-term unresolved issues. Many bullies are the way they are due to a number of reasons. Some of them probably grew up getting everything they wanted without even working for it, so they expect others to always bend to their wishes.”

Echoing the identical ideas, a scientific psychologist with the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Dr Oluwakemi Akintoyese, mentioned, “Yes, some bullies have unresolved past trauma. They (bullies) might seem powerful and in control, but when one looks closer at them, one would realise that they have unresolved trauma. And, if such issues are not dealt with in an appropriate manner, the trauma won’t go away. So, bullying others is one of the horrible ways in which unresolved trauma can manifest.”

she additional acknowledged that many occasions, bullies aimed to embarrass and dominate their victims, thus, projecting into them all the things unfavourable that the bully wished to be rid of.

“In the bully’s eye, the attack of ruination deserves it, and they are further emboldened if no one does anything to prevent it from happening,” Akintoyese added.

Buttressing the views espoused by the psychologists, a preferred singer, Daniel Anidugbe, aka Kizz Daniel, famous that whereas rising up, he was bullied for being ‘fat’, and that affected his social abilities.

In an interview with a United Kingdom-based present host and podcaster, Adesope Olajide, he famous that he often stored to himself not as a result of he was a snob.

He mentioned, “I’ve constructed a world of my very own in my head since I used to be little. Because rising up, I used to be a fats child. So, I don’t (sic) exit as a result of the children within the space make (sic) enjoyable of me. They known as me orobo (somebody who’s fats). And they bullied me. So I at all times stayed indoors.

“During that point that I at all times stayed indoors, I had already constructed this fantasy world in my head. In the world that I had inbuilt my head, I’m very comfy in that house.

“So, I reintroduced myself to the world after I lost weight; I lost all forms of social skills. I did not know how to communicate or socialise with people.”

Red flags

On many events, people who find themselves being bullied don’t communicate up for one motive or one other, however a psychologist, Dr Fabian Okezie, acknowledged that there have been sure indicators to be careful for to know if a liked one was being bullied.

He mentioned, “People who’re being bullied are often withdrawn, pensive and depressed. They won’t need to communicate out due to concern, however their family members can come to their help in such situations.

“For instance, if somebody who was once social and outgoing immediately begins retaining to themselves, or they seem tense and anxious within the presence of sure folks, one needs to be suspicious. It can also be pertinent to notice that many bullies typically masks their true colors. They would possibly seem form, charismatic and caring to others in public, however are imply to the folks they bully. That is why it is very important observe the physique language of family members and even acquaintances within the presence of sure folks. Such issues go a good distance and might even save lives as some folks have ended up committing suicide as a result of they felt there was no person to speak to about their travails.

“People should also go beyond asking their loved ones regular questions like, ‘How are you’. It is always good to probe deeper to know if the person is harbouring certain emotions and experiences that they are reluctant to share with the world.”

Kindness, empathy as panacea to bullying

On how bullying can successfully be tackled, Dr Akintoyese famous that it was necessary to foster kindness and empathy. She added, “Some kids grew up in properties the place they have been shouted at and never allowed to specific themselves. It is necessary to show kids kindness and empathy. They also needs to be allowed to practise battle decision, and construct understanding. More importantly, mother and father and guardians ought to begin modelling optimistic behaviours in order that kids can develop to be form and extra tolerant of others. It can also be important to create alternatives for connection and foster a way of neighborhood within the dwelling, and faculty. When folks really feel related, they’d not harm each other, as a result of they’d see themselves as a united pressure.

“Also, analysis has discovered that small behaviours can sign the start of patterns, so when gateway behaviours are missed, it could be troublesome to manage them later. That is why it is very important determine gateway behaviour in kids.

“The second one notices acts akin to a baby rolling their eyes when a classmate is speaking, extended staring, laughing cruelly at others when speaking, or name-calling, it is very important appropriate them instantly. That method, the kid would develop as much as turn into a greater individual.

“Furthermore, it is imperative to always keep the line of communication open, and allow children to express themselves. Bullies thrive and gain momentum when there is secrecy and silence. If nobody talks about it or rebukes them, they will continue. But, if someone cautions them or stands up to them, they would adjust their behaviour.”

Akintoyese added that anybody who was being bullied shouldn’t run away however acknowledge that they have been being bullied by way of no fault of theirs. She mentioned, “When one is being bullied, one of the best factor is to not run away or disguise, however to acknowledge that one is being bullied. Some people who find themselves being bullied would possibly even be experiencing disgrace, guilt or self-blame about what has occurred to them. Bullying leaves a scar, and if it isn’t addressed, the individual will most probably carry the scar for all times. The solely method to heal is by recognising that each the bullied and the bully shouldn’t be blamed or held accountable in any method. Rather, the bullied should have the ability to deal with the sensation of powerlessness and helplessness. They ought to recognise their price and admire themselves. They ought to dwell on their optimistic attributes and construct themselves up. They ought to know that it doesn’t matter what the bully has known as them. They ought to rediscover themselves, and problem unfavourable ideas. They also needs to keep away from social isolation as a result of they really feel they don’t measure as much as commonplace.

“If after doing all these things they don’t get results, they should speak with a therapist. Therapists are available to help individuals navigate the issues of bullying.”

Entertainers proffer options

Reiterating her conviction that bullying may be tackled with love, Banna mentioned, “I doubt if bullying may be eradicated from the business. There would at all times be naysayers, haters and all of the manifestations of the satan by way of individuals who carry the ‘seeds’ of bitterness, jealousy and pleasure.

“However, bullying can be handled differently, especially if the bullied comes from a place of peace, and does not roll in the mud with the bully. Basically, we need more love in every area of our lives.”

Banna, who’s the convener of the social media programme, ‘Gratitude with Nichole’, admitted that individuals dealt with issues in a different way, thus she couldn’t proffer a normal resolution.

She added, “What I have to say to my colleagues is that whatever information they put out there is like an open invitation to all sorts of people. So one should be careful with what one shares with the public. Not everything is meant to be shared, and celebs should learn to keep certain things private, even though they live their lives in the public glare.”

Advising entertainers who had skilled bullying, Shakara mentioned, “My advice to entertainers who had been bullied or currently experiencing it is that they should believe in themselves and stop putting their hope on people. Some entertainers feel that without the help of certain people, they won’t be able to get to the next level of their careers. Because of that, they start ‘worshipping’ those people, and end up being mistreated.”

Meanwhile, a veteran actress, Hilda Dokubo, was of the view that the federal government ought to do extra to guard residents from bullying.

She expatiated, “The government must stop itself from being a bully. Nigerians are all in the situation of Mohbad. We are saying that things are not working well, and the security agencies must stop bullying people. The government is not protecting the people and that is why all these are happening.”