Etcetera has been causing ripples in the entertainment industry in Nigeria lately since he started handling a column in a major national newspaper in the country.
He has stepped on many toes through his write ups and has been called several names by his colleagues he has written about.
While some of them have described him as a ‘failed artiste’, others have chosen to see him as a ‘frustrated singer’, who chose to slam entertainers to gain publicity for himself, probably to use the opportunity to re-launch his music career.
But in all, the conscious singer has not failed to speak his mind on burning issues in the industry.
Over the weekend, he wrote about some artistes who he described as ‘political prostitutes,’ which did not go down well with those mentioned in the article.
This forced MI, a rapper, to lambast him, saying he (MI) knew how Etcetera started, but allegedly fizzle out when he could not fit into the circle. The rapper said Etcetera now opted out to blast anyone he feels he can think of.
Now, another critic, Charles Novia, a respected filmmaker, has aired his mind on the issue.
According to Charles, in a 13-paragraph note, stated that every entertainer has the right to align himself with any political party or its candidates since they are also citizens of the country.
Below is the message;
1. I think Etcetera went a bit overboard by alleging that artistes are political prostitutes. Artistes also have political convictions.
2. Even if artistes get paid ‘appearance fees’ or any kind of fees for the candidates, their political proclivities are theirs to make
3. There is a difference between a political vocation and an artistic conviction. The bridge btw both is self-belief; a stand for something
4. So, if any of our stars believe they should stand behind a particular candidate, their choices must not be vilified. It is their right.
5.The artistes command a huge fan base which, tweaked with their political leanings, add value to the campaigns across parties. No neutrality
6. In the 2015 elections in Ngr, I don’t think artistes should be neutral, paid or not. Be bold, come out and take a stand. It is your right
7. Saying artistes are paid for such endorsements and should not be taken seriously is akin to political intolerance. Theirs is to convince
8. The artistes have ONE vote, true but they MILLIONS of minds to sway. That is the nitty gritty. It is key for political calculations.
9. And really, no artiste FORCES anyone to vote against his/her wish. They endorse and YOU make your choice. That’s how it goes.
10. I respect the choices of those actors and musicians making cases for GEJ and GMB. They are all Nigerians. They don’t love Nigeria less
11. Our artistes worked hard to be where they are today under a commendable democratic creative space. Their choices must not be castigated
12. Artistes are part of the political maturity process. They too want either transformation or change. Let their March for either decide.
13. And Etcetera, I respect your opinion on this topic and admit you have a right to air it. Mine is to set facts straight as well. One love.
