Veteran singer and activist Charles “Charly Boy” Oputa has come under heavy criticism over a recent video of the entertainer introducing his alter ego “Linda”.
eelive.ng reports that the veteran singer had via Instagram on Saturday declared that he paved the way for self-expression in Nigeria.
In his words: “Before all these our new cross dressers begin shine for social media, one man don first break that door open. Him name na AreaScatter. Na Igbo man wey during and after civil war, come out with plaited hair, make-up, dey dress like woman, dey perform, dey make people forget pain.
“That man use style heal him people through comedy, through performance.When Charly Boy blow for 1983/84 him no just begin sing, he first shock Nigerians. Scatter dem dada.
“Him mix music, fashion, politics, truth talk. E wear wig today, leather tomorrow, skirt next week. E no be joke, na message.
He show say him fit be anything wey e want and still get sense, still get voice.
“But you know Nigerians, we go always quick judge.
Dem begin shout, E be Agege! E be this, e be that!
Charly Boy laugh, say, If I really be that, una go know! I no go hide. AreaFada legalised self-expression, for freedom, for confidence.
“Today you see many people cross dress, makeup, become influencers, dey proud of who dem be but dem no know say somebody first carry that wahala for head when e no sweet, when society go insult you.”
The video and remarks of the veteran entertainer have sparked mixed reactions as many netizens criticized him for making such video. Others, however, hailed his impact.
One user wrote: “Nah why dem remove your name from Lagos bus stop.”
Another remarked: “I’m weird but I enjoy people who do what they love without any fear of what anyone thinks. Hes in his 70s , enjoying and growing old . I love it .I’m sure yall know that in the late centuries , men wore makeup Incase you think makeup is just for G@y. No it’s not.”
Another added: “Man today, woman tomorrow. What is going on with you Linda?”
One noted: “Mos.def, I enjoyed the Charley-boy show on Saturday, where you have real satire during your segment. Not leaving Wumi and Tunde Obe…… and the Candid Camera!!!!!! You are really a pacesetter. When it was seen as being prodigal, you broke limits.”
One noted: “Hope everything is okay with him.”
Another stated; “See noisance that’s claimed nice man, but insults our PBAT. Guys shout just take a look.”