Introduction
Quite a lot comes as responsibilities when you are described as a star, celebrity, influencer, icon, or when you reach a status that draws attention of the public, or make the public want to be associated with you. Being a celebrity demands being able to manage stardom and command exemplary deeds which the youths look up to. Youths, especially want to follow you.
They are moved by stardom, so anything you do becomes attractive to them; hence they are influenced and molded by your doings without even trying to sieve the negative from the positive. They just want you as their role models and mentors.
However, as celebrities attract more followers, companies, industries, organizations, associations and many other corporate bodies fall over themselves to make them their brand ambassadors.
However, companies and large organisations pick a celebrity as a brand ambassador if his character is impeccable and unimpeachable.
When celebrity falters in integrity test, he is immediately discarded because of his despicable attitude. No company or organization will want to be associated with misdemeanors.
Account is replete with lots of celebrities who have not been able to manage their stardom. They have allowed their popularity entered their heads. They lose on all fronts, and if care is not taken they fall like a pack of cards.
Celebrities’ Misdeeds
Robert Kelly (R. Kelly) the R&B king was jailed because of sexual misconduct, likewise many other world stars in different endeavours. In Nigeria, a lot of them have failed abysmally when it comes to maintaining integrity.
The like of Seun Egbegbe who was jailed for seven years by a Federal High Court Nigeria for involving himself in Advance Fee Fraud did not show himself as a good role model for the youths.
For sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, a Nollywood star, Olanrewaju James (Baba Ijesha) was also sentenced to 16 years imprisonment.
An Afro hip-hop star, Naira Marley, Azeez Adesina, was one time detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for an alleged money laundering.
Portable was arrested on March 31 for refusing to honour police invitation. He was arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on assault, unruly behaviour and theft of musical equipment.
Funke Akindele (Jennifer) and her former husband, Abdu Rasheed Bello (JJC Skillz) were arraigned before Lagos State Magistrate Court, Ogba for breaking Covid-19 rule by holding a crowded house birthday party contrary to Lagos State’s social distancing order.
Many Afro hip hop stars have fallen short of being enviable celebrities who can influence the youths in a positive ways. They sing songs containing vulgar, immoral and corrupt lyrics, as well as shoot obscene videos to complement their music, while some of them are involved in fraud, cyber crime and drug peddling.
Standard Expected of Celebrities
As pointed by Olayemi Abiodun, a Public Affairs commentator, “A celebrity, once become known, has attained a special status, so he must be careful. He must know that he doesn’t live for himself again, rather what he does will always be in the public domain; hence he must be careful and strive to be above board.”
According to Mrs Elizabeth Ronke, a school teacher, “Stars and celebrities are supposed to behave well because of those watching them, especially the youths who will want to copy them by all means.”
For Joel Abiodun, a Psychologist, “A celebrity’s life, conduct and way of life is expected to teach and promote good values and moral. If a celebrity is controversial, if he fights in the public, or get involved in crime and criminality, don’t copy his lifestyle.”
How to know a Good Celebrities
A lot of youths look up to celebrities, influencers and stars. They want to copy, look and dress like them, as well as pattern their lives after them.
But that an individual is a star is not enough to fashion your life after him or her. Even though he is celebrated, and commands massive following it is not everything he does that influences positively.
As a youth or student, you should be mindful of which celebrity to follow; that will not influence you life in a wrong direction. How should celebrities conduct themselves? What is expected of them every time? You need to make a good choice.
A celebrity or an influencer should teach and promote good values and morals. He should dress properly and comport himself or herself in public. A worthy celebrity should detest obscenity.
Be on the lookout for a celebrity who is stable in character and not one that draws controversies all the time.
Follow celebrities that don’t contravene the law of the land. An influencer that is worth his calling will obey the law of the land always. If a celebrity is caught in this or that crime, like rape, murder, fighting and many others, desist from following him. Choose another one that can be of value to you.
Does a celebrity keep a good family. Is he/she a good home manager, or one that is involved in wife battery? Does he or she encourage divorce? It’s another matter if he/she stumbles on divorce other than encourage it.
Is he/she into drug? Does he peddle drug? Is he/she a cultist? Does he/she promote wrongdoing? Select wisely.
A celebrity that gives back to the community and helps humanity will be a good influencer. Follow him if he or she is involved in charity and humanitarian services.
What does he sing and speak about as a musician? Check the lyrics of his songs.
A celebrity worthy to be followed will always fight and agitate for a just cause. He will stand up for a just society and agitate in favour of the downtrodden.
Is he or she uncouth? Does he lack manners? Look out for bad attitude like pride in him or her, otherwise you may not get the most by looking up to him or her as a celebrity.
Let us know, in the comment section below, who your favourite celebrity, influencer, icon, and give reasons for your choice now.
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