Nigerian entertainment icon Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has disclosed that a recent public controversy had a severe impact on his mental well-being, pushing him to the brink of depression. The 74-year-old singer and activist, often referred to as the Area Fada, moved beyond the superficial “gbas gbos”—the noisy social media feud—over the renaming of a bus stop in his honour to “Baddo Bus Stop,” to share a more profound message about mental health struggles.
The episode, he revealed, became so overwhelming that he felt compelled to leave the country to safeguard his sanity. “Life is a bitch, then we die,” Charly Boy stated, capturing the gravity of his emotional state. In a bid to escape the intense pressure and find solace, he travelled to Europe to visit his brother, the renowned musician Dr. Alban, hoping the trip would serve as a much-needed period for recharging and cooling off.
However, peace proved elusive even abroad. He confessed: “I was to spend 3 weeks recharging and rebooting. You can’t imagine, only after 10 days body begin scratch me, like say I forget something for Nigeria, the same environment wey dey give me sleepless nights sometimes. Couldn’t even do 2 weeks complete, I don run come back.” Though he humorously likened the restless feeling to “jazz,” his underlying message was earnest and sobering.
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Charly Boy used the experience to highlight the very real and often stigmatised issue of depression. “Depression na real matter. I was lucky enough to take a break and come back refreshed. But how many people get that kind privilege? Some people no even get where to run to. Dem dey stuck with their pain, smiling on the outside, but bleeding inside,” he said, empathising with those who lack the resources or support systems to seek relief.
The cultural activist issued a powerful call to action, urging his fellow Nigerians to stop treating mental health challenges as a sign of weakness or a taboo subject. “If Area Fada fit admit say sometimes e dey choke, you too no need to pretend. Speak up, breathe, find your way back. Life go still test us, but make we no let am break us.”
He concluded, telling his followers, “My people, here’s wishing you a happier month. It shall be well with us.”
