Popular comedian and actor Akunyota Akpobome, aka Alibaba, asserted that aspiring artists engage in ‘dark’ practices before being signed by a record label.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, September 22, the seasoned entertainer emphasised that talented individuals should never succumb to such pressures; instead, they should steadfastly define their purpose and uphold their values.
He said, “For me, there are some things that you would not want to do, and you must stick with it. It is the same thing with some of these artists; some of them do rituals now.
“As an artist, you must define your purpose and hold on to some strong values you’ve been brought up with.
“If you are someone in a position with your creative abilities, you don’t need that kind of pressure. You don’t need somebody making you sign or take an oath for you to be creative.”
Alibaba insisted that some artists’ essential values were replaced by the deafening desire for fame and fortune, which is why most give in to these unwholesome practices.
He continued: “People just want to blow; they want to be seen, they want to be heard, they want to make money, they want to belong. And because of that, they step back from the values they have been brought up with and do what they shouldn’t do.”
The veteran entertainer observed that despite the pressures in the entertainment industry, some artists were still genuinely thriving and holding their ground.
He added, “They don’t smoke, they don’t hold cigars, they don’t hold the glass cup and drink whiskey in their music videos, and they insist on it.
“Even if the choreography says it would add colour to the video, they would say no.”
His remark comes on the heels of a mounting public outcry over the allegations of abuse against MohBad, who died at the age of 27 on September 12.
