Consequences Of Stirring The Controversy Pot In Nigeria’s Entertainment Industry -By Isaac Asabor

“Nor mind Portable, e just wan make himself popular” The foregoing sentiment was assertively shared by a professional colleague of this writer in his take on the controversy which Portable is presently enmeshed in as a result of his purchase of a vehicle for N27 million, and paid N13 million, and agreed to pay the balance later. As widely reported in the media, he got arrested when he did not pay the remaining N14 million.

For the sake of clarity, Portable, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter born on March 12, 1994. He gained widespread recognition with his hit single “Zazoo Zehh,” which featured the famous Nigerian rapper Olamide and dancer Poco Lee.

Known for his energetic performances and vibrant music, Portable has become a significant figure in the Afrobeat scene. His career has been marked by both his musical talent and his involvement in various controversies. Despite the challenges, he continues to make an impact in the music industry with his unique style and has a growing discography with several popular singles.

Given the nature of the newsroom, particularly as some people have described it to be a mad house because of the high level of complexity and complicated nature of preparing information, my professional colleague’s sentiment expectedly and instantly spurred an opinion divide.

In fact, the disagreement that resulted from the sentiment could not have been dismissed with mere wave of the hands as in this age of social media, where trends and hashtags can dictate public attention, it is tempting for celebrities to stir up controversy to stay relevant.

However, to this writer, this strategy can be counterproductive and damaging in the long run as cooked up controversy can be both counterproductive and damaging when analyzed from the perspectives of its short-term gains against its long-term reputation.

Without a doubt, while a controversy might generate immediate buzz, it often comes at the cost of a celebrity’s long-term reputation. The public may engage with the controversy initially, but repeated stunts can lead to “outrage fatigue”, where the audience becomes desensitized and disinterested.

In fact, when a celebrity is perceived as cooking up controversy for attention, it can erode trust. Once lost, trust is incredibly difficult to regain, and a reputation for inauthenticity can haunt a celebrity’s career.

Without a doubt, it is no more news that many celebrities have had lucrative deals with brands that value a positive image. Therefore, deliberate controversy can jeopardize these partnerships, as companies often distance themselves from negative publicity to protect their own reputation.

After all, when a celebrity uses controversy as a ladder to popularity, it sets a precedent that others may follow, contributing to a culture of sensationalism over substance. This shift can dilute the quality of public discourse and overshadow genuine talent and achievements.

Given the foregoing, it is not a misnomer to opine that the media plays a significant role in amplifying controversies. However, the same media that gives attention today can turn critical tomorrow, leading to a cycle of negative press that can overshadow a celebrity’s actual work.

Besides, while controversy might seem like a shortcut to fame, it is a risky path that can lead to a loss of respect, credibility, and valuable partnerships. Therefore, celebrities are better off focusing on their craft and engaging with their audience in positive ways that foster a lasting and respected presence in the public eye.

In essence, the adage “All publicity is good publicity” is a dangerous gamble in the modern era of instant communication and ever-shifting public opinion. Against the foregoing backdrop, it is salient that celebrities tread carefully, as the internet never forgets, and neither does the audience.

The reason for the foregoing view cannot be farfetched as celebrities often find themselves at the center of public attention, and some have managed to use controversy to their advantage.

Given the foregoing, it is expedient to opine that in the vibrant landscape of Nigerian entertainment that controversy is often the currency of visibility. Some celebrities have mastered the art of stirring the pot, understanding that a scandal can catapult them into the limelight and keep them there.

For some celebrities, controversy is not a pitfall but a stepping stone. It is a calculated move, a play that keeps their name on the lips of fans and critics alike. The strategy is simple: create a buzz, make headlines, and trend on social media. Whether it is through outlandish statements, public feuds, or shocking revelations, these celebrities know that in the digital age, all publicity is good publicity.

Among the pantheon of Nigerian celebrities, a few stand out for their ability to generate headlines. These individuals have turned controversy into an art form, using it to maintain relevance and increase their popularity.

For instance, Tonto Dikeh, once a celebrated actress, has transformed into a figure known as much for her personal life as her on-screen performances. Her public disputes and candid revelations about her relationships have kept her in the spotlight, making her a mainstay in the media.

In a similar vein is Portable Zazu, whose recent misdemeanor inspired this views, and who has burst onto the scene and has since been a constant source of controversy, from social media rants to personal drama, has a knack for keeping the public engaged with his every move.

Also in a similar vein is Bobrisky, who is no doubt a social media sensation, has unarguably played the media game with finesse, often blurring the lines between reality and performance. His ability to remain a topic of discussion is a testament to his understanding of the power of controversy.

Be that as it may, it is germane in this context to opine that the impact of these controversies is twofold. On one hand, it keeps the celebrities in question in the public eye, ensuring that they remain relevant in a fast-paced industry. On the other hand, it sparks conversations, debates, and even changes in societal perceptions.

Without a doubt, while controversy can be a double-edged sword, for some Nigerian celebrities, it is a well-honed tool in their arsenal. They have recognized that in a world where attention is a scarce commodity, being talked about is better than being forgotten. As the lines between fame and infamy continue to blur, it is clear that controversy will remain a staple in the diet of celebrity culture.

Even if this writer has chosen not to sound judgmental in this context, it is expedient to opine that the exploration of the strategic use of controversy by Nigerian celebrities reveals a deeper understanding of fame in the modern era as it is a game of chess, and for those who play it well, the rewards can be immense.

The foregoing view cannot be pooh-poohed as it is crystal clear that in the vibrant landscape of Nigerian entertainment industry that controversy is often the currency of visibility.

Some celebrities have mastered the art of stirring the pot, understanding that a scandal can catapult them into the limelight and keep them there. Hence, this piece is literarily cognizant of the fact that some Nigerian celebrities have seemingly embraced controversy as a ladder to fame.

Given the foregoing view, it is expedient to opine that for some celebrities, controversy is not a pitfall but a stepping stone. It is a calculated move, a play that keeps their name on the lips of fans and critics alike.

Among the pantheon of Nigerian celebrities who stand out for their ability to generate headlines, and who have turned controversy into an art form, using it to maintain relevance and increase their popularity are Tonto Dikeh, Portable Zazu and Bobrisky as earlier mentioned in this context.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is germane to mention other celebrities that have equally leveraged their fames on controversy. For instance, Davido, who is no doubt a popular musician has been involved in various controversies, including public feuds and personal issues that have made headlines.

In a similar vein, Naira Marley, known for his provocative music and social media presence, has been a central figure in numerous controversies, often related to his lifestyle and legal issues, and Mercy Chinwo, a gospel singer who has also been at the center of discussions due to her stance on certain issues and the reactions she has elicited.

Still in the same vein is Seun Kuti, the son of the legendary Fela Kuti. Seun has been involved in controversies, often due to his outspoken political views and activism.

Without a doubt, these celebrities have navigated through their controversies in different ways, but like Tonto Dikeh, they have managed to use these situations to maintain or even increase their popularity and relevance in the industry.

Given the foregoing backdrop, despite the advantages which some celebrities see in leveraging on controversy to thrive in the entertainment industry, it is salient to opine that if not well managed that it can lead to loss of endorsements as controversial actions or statements can lead to celebrities losing lucrative endorsement deals.

In the same vein, controversy stirred by any entertainer, whether such entertainer is a musician, singer, or actor, can lead to public backlash as a public that feels offended or betrayed by a celebrity’s actions can lead to widespread criticism and backlash.

Worst of all is that it can lead to career setbacks as it can result in the cancellation of projects, shows, or contracts.