Don't Be Fooled, Celebrities Are Selfish People - by Victor Enengedi

As sensational as Olajumoke's tale might seem, it is nevertheless, the simple humane gesture of TY Bello that has made this 'bread-seller-turn-over-night-celebrity' story a much exciting one.

Olajumoke Orisaguna
 

In the last few weeks, the story of a bread seller whose fate suddenly propelled her to fame and popularity following her unusual appearance in the set of a photoshoot conducted by celebrity photographer, TY Bello made the headlines on every major tabloids, blogs, news website and local TV channels.

Her Olajumoke Orisaguna's transformation from a mere bread-hawker to a model, plus lots of other goodies that have followed, orchestrated by her resolve to make ends meet has been hailed all over the country, so much that giant worldwide news agency, CNN have not been left out in capturing this incredulous story.

As sensational as Olajumoke's tale might seem, it is nevertheless, the simple humane gesture of TY Bello that has made this 'bread-seller-turn-over-night-celebrity' story a much exciting one. She sought her out, presented her to the world, and every-one fell in love with her.

Those that believe in fate and destiny will say Olajumoke and TY Bello were meant to cross paths somehow. I don't know how true that is, but what I see is someone, in a touching moment, led to help another in a way most celebrities hardly ever consider. 

I must confess that Mrs Bello is just one of the exception to my personal belief that most celebrities, whether local or international are most of the time a bunch of selfish people. Yes, so selfish they hardly give a hoot about a so called fan unless there's a need to show off for the cameras.

Most would hardly move a muscle to help or support anyone or a cause unless there's a sensational media coverage, where the whole world will be fooled to see them as being 'big-hearted'. Whether it's in launching out with a charity organisation, giving to orphanages, supporting a social cause, to them it is all part of the showbizness, where the business is often times about 'showing off'.

When they make attempts to do a little good, it is usually not a conviction for them. In fact, you will be shocked to know that their publicist and PR people usually put them up to it. The ideas usually ain't there's.

The publicist says to the celeb, "let's do this, let's do that, then we can send the pictures to Linda Ikeji and other bloggers," and then adds, "It will certainly get us more publicity, more fans, more Twitter and Instagram followers".

Giving anything away has to have some proportional effect or benefits to promoting their material or brand. In an effort to promote a new song, that's when a musician will decide to host a 'dance-to-my-song' or 'sing-my-song-in-your-own-way' competitions.

An actor on the other hand, will require fans to severally retweet or click on the like button on their Twitter or Instagram pages to be able to win anything. Yes, that what's what the fans are only important to them for - to patronise their works.

I'm not advocating or in support of doling out cash gifts to fans. There are several other ways to connect with fans. A simple handshake, hug or conversation sometimes does the magic, but one most effective way to connect with a fan is reciprocating gestures, and that is, encouraging and patronising a fans business/profession or supporting a project.

I was more than disappointed sometime ago when I initiated a concept that I had hoped would endear celebs more to their loyal fans. What this entailed was for a celebrity to, on a weekly basis promote a different fan's business/project on his/her social media so that their thousands of fans would be compelled to patronize such an individual in return.

For instance, 'celebrity A' tweets on Twitter or makes a post on Instagram about 'fan A's beads and accessories business for a week, imagine the patronage that fan A can get.

The next week, Celebrity A could be tweeting or 'Instagraming' about fan B's shoe or clothes making business, and it goes on and on like that. Business grows for theses fans and they forever remain grateful and appreciative of the relationship they have with the celeb.

You don't need to be a wizard to know the weight of a tweet or an Instagram post from a Wizkid, Davido, Psquare, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade or Basketmouth could have. Hundreds of thousands of people follow these guys all over the world and that is why brands are willing to stake their cash with them knowing the large number of reach they have.

Anyway, I shopped this idea around a few entertainers, but unfortunately most them were too reluctant to buy into it, and I guess you can imagine why. One practically asked me, "Bro how does this directly benefit me, promote my music or brand?"

I guess none of these celebs have really ever wondered what value they have had on the lives of the fans that  follow them on Twitter and Instagram. Do they think that fan's loyalty is only because of the love of the music and the movies? Come on, any fan can still listen to your music and enjoy the movies without necessarily following you on social media.

I see that 'Mr Celebrity' has never ever wondered how posting pictures of new cars and watches adds value to the life of fans or how many fans will in the future ever think to themselves and be thankful that they ever followed them on social media?

TY Bello is certainly no angel from heaven, but you can't help but admire the sincerity and selflessness in her intention to know that she means well for the young lady. It is obvious in the way she has avoided all the sensational flashlights that has trailed Olajumoke ever since, even though she has unofficially taken up the role of being a mentor, role-model, promoter, adviser and god-mother to the now popular photobomber.

 

And to all the corperate brands that have rallied round trying to take advantage of this innocent lady's new status and also exploiting her gullibilty, I can not even begin to express my disgust at your hypocrisy. But that is a discussion for another day.

Now you can understand why it was amusing to me to see that publicity stunt, pulled by pop singer, KCEE who wanted to make another Olajumoke on the streets of Lagos.

Come on KCEE, you had to wait till Olajumoke's story was buzzing before you would remember the hawker you had allegedly promised to help last year. Videotaped your search plus the handing out of the car and the cash gift to the guy? You could have as well just organised a concert right there in the middle of the road.
 

Nigerians are hard working people. Not everyone is looking for an handout. Many are only looking for encouragement or support. There are many Olajumoke's out there, just looking for a part on the back and words of encouragement, it would only be wise for everyone of us to take selfless steps in being that encouragement or adviser.