Veteran singer and activist, Charles Oputa, aka Charly Boy, speaks with NAOMI CHIMA about his life, marriages, the state of the nation and other issues
Over the years, you have been actively involved in activism. As you continue to age gracefully, are you concerned about the future of activism in Nigeria and whether there will be individuals who can carry the torch as passionately as people like you did?
First, I don’t like the word, ‘activism’, because it has been so abused and overused. I am just a person who sees things differently. I would rather be called a ‘social engineer’. I am trying to re-tweak the minds of young people. I have always maintained that the salvation of this country lies in the hands of the youth. In my lifetime, I have met more than a few outstanding young people I will always be proud to say that I learnt from. Some of them have even made me to think differently.
I know they can bring about change if they get themselves together; and that is part of my job. ‘Area Fada’ is not just a nickname; but a way of life.
On what steps should be taken to ensure continuity of activism in the country, I am doing what I can, and I am not the only one engaged in this social re-engineering of the Nigerian youth. There are many of us doing the same thing; so, it is already happening. I don’t have to wait, or go looking for who to teach or mentor. All I need to do is to keep encouraging them, because I know they have the power. They have the numbers, but the journey of a thousand miles starts with a step. Nigeria is not going to be fixed overnight. That is why they should see it as a battle between light and darkness, and between hopelessness and their destiny. If they can think along those lines, I am here to give them guidance.
What makes your brand of activism unique?
I think a lot comes with age and personality. I have no reason to be alive today. I am only alive by God’s grace. God prepared me for something special. My mother carried me in her womb for 11 months, instead of the regular nine months. So, I know that I am not ordinary, and I don’t follow trends. I walk my own path. That is why some people say I am controversial; because, I speak the truth and I’m brutally honest about who I am. I don’t care what anybody thinks about me. I have no shame in my ‘game’; not after 10 children and 16 grandchildren. I already know who I am. That is why I cry sometimes, because of the injustice in Nigeria. The only reason I have not finally gone mad is because I don’t keep anything bottled up inside me. I share the little I know with people who are looking for knowledge. I don’t go to sleep carrying anything in my mind. I think that is what explains my youthfulness, aside from exercising.
Do you agree with the belief that for a marriage to last, it is primarily the woman who holds it together?
Like they always say, it takes two to tango. There’s what I call ‘demarcation of duties’. Everybody should know their position.
Longevity in marriage does not rely solely on the woman. But, I believe that women are the stronger sex. I believe that as God created them to love and nurture, they have the upper hand. But, for an irresponsible man, it would be quite difficult. For a man who is not on the same page with the woman, keeping the marriage will be difficult.
Why do you feel that women are the strongest sex?
I don’t believe that women are the weaker vessels. In terms of physical strength, men are stronger. But, in terms of emotional strength and nurturing, I believe that women are far stronger than men. In the past, I used to hear it said that men should not cry. But, I don’t subscribe to that; because I cry when things affect me.
In what ways has your wife contributed to the longevity of your marriage that has lasted over 46 years?
My wife has been a very good friend. She totally understands me. Even if I make mistakes, or sleep with somebody outside, I would tell my wife.
