The hawks have swooped in! Within a week, she moved from one end to the other. Her pages all over internet.
Interviews in English she may never understand. Heavy makeup on her face and revealing dresses in our faces. Studio recording already in top gear.
This is how the hawks swoop in at the sight blood. Commercialization in top gear. Agents, fashion designers, PR experts, publicists, hair stylists and all types of ‘orisirisi’ consultants.
Stardom is more than a sweet voice and facial makeup. Remember the case of the bread seller. She fizzled out after being exploited.
Compare that to the case of the boy selling on the streets of Ibadan. Easter Ajayi took him in; sent him to a decent school, and I’m sure he’s being taught the rudiments of music and being prepared for a life of stardom. Self confidence, ethics and self worth lessons. Not one single music released yet. Not one press drama yet.
That’s how you honestly prepare a rare and very young discovery of this type. By the time that boy is eventually ready, he would conquer the world in the mould of Wizkid, Fireboy etc.
But all the people rushing this girl (CallMeSalle) into bright lights will only exploit her and when she starts to crumble, they will disappear.
Why are you in a hurry? Will she lose her voice overnight?
Remember soo many child stars in music and even films that ended badly, because of cracked foundation. Some will even resort to drugs when frustrations come in. And even when they succeed professionally, the lack of proper foundation always leads to character cracks. It’s all over the world.
The people rushing to exploit this girl are doing a disservice to her future. If you believe in her, help her get good education, stop speaking words a graduate can hardly speak, pretending she’s the one speaking.
Clean her up slowly. Invest in her future not in her today alone. If she’s destined for that stardom , she will hit it and it will be enduring.
I know this advice will be ignored.
**Alabi-Hundeyin, a filmmaker and social commentator, first posted this on his Facebook page
