Musician and activist Charly Boy recently paid tribute to the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who passed away at the age of 82.
In his tribute, Charly Boy shared how Iwuanyanwu played a crucial role in reviving his music career when he returned to Nigeria from the United States in 1981. After disowning his parents for not supporting his musical aspirations, Charly Boy met Iwuanyanwu in his village, Oguta. Iwuanyanwu generously gave him $8,000, which enabled him to establish a studio in his village and kickstart his career.
Charly Boy expressed his gratitude, noting that Iwuanyanwu was the first Nigerian to believe in and support his dreams. He emphasized the importance of legacy, touching lives, and inspiring others. He thanked Iwuanyanwu for his kindness, referring to him as “Biggest bros/father.”
“When I returned from the USA in 1981, all I had was a dream as a broke-ass Charly Boy wannabe. It was Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who accidentally met me in my village, Oguta, after I disowned my parents for not buying into my dreams. He dashed me $8,000 at the time. I almost fainted. That gave me the impetus to build my brand as I started my Jankara studio in my village. He was the very first Nigerian who supported and believed in my dream.
“Legacy is really about the lives we touched, the inspiration we gave, altering someone’s plan – even for a moment – and getting them to think, cry, laugh, argue. More than anything, we are remembered for our smiles; the ones we share with our closest and dearest, and the ones we bestow on total strangers who needed it right then, and God put us there to deliver,” he added.
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