Substance behind celebrity

I have a major confession to make – and if my darling niece is reading this, all I can say is “I’m so so sorry my dear. I simply didn’t realise”.

What am I on about?

I’ve known for quite some time that my niece is a very successful fashion designer. But I had no clue as to how successful and how big a celebrity she really is – until I attended her wedding last weekend.

Should I describe the fantastical theme, the beautiful guests, or glamorous decor? Naaa, don’t have the time for that today. Just trust me when I say that as I walked into the reception hall after the church service the words that came out of my mouth were, “Chai!! This my niece is a serious celebrity-o.”

And it is this word ‘Celebrity’ I want to dwell on today.
Indeed if you’re reading this article I can confidently assume you’re intellectually astute enough to connect today’s message with the piece I wrote a few weeks ago, titled ‘An Imminent Epidemic’.

Earlier this morning my dear nephew, who I’m beginning to suspect is much older than he actually is, interrupted my breakfast with the following words;

“Uncle, I’m really sorry to disturb you (yea right!) but there’s something I need to discuss with you. At Kunbi’s wedding on Sunday I noticed there were quite a few celebrities, and that so many young people were excited by their presence; and it kinda got me thinking – since celebrities carry so much weight wouldn’t it be great if they used theirinfluence to make Nigeria a better placein terms of Values, Hard Work, and Dedicationetc?”

Pondering this question as I once again doubted the age of the young man sitting in front of me, my mind went back to a moving moment during the wedding reception – when she and her husband danced their way to their seats. Proudly looking on, not only was I overwhelmed with emotion as I remembered her late mother (my older sister), but I also recalled the day she told me she would be attending fashion school in New York. My first reaction was ‘my darling niece obviously wants to rock New York for a few years’.It never occurred to me she was actually aligning with her passion.

Fast forward seven years, and today April ByKunbi is the leading designer of wedding dresses in Africa. Soon to be brides from across Africa, Europe, and America come to Nigeria for her Prowess, Panache,  andExpertise. And this is precisely my point. After many years of Hard Work, Toil, Dedication, and Perseverance,she’s now sought after by brides from across the world – the go to person for the most Beautiful,Stylish, Classy, and ExquisiteWedding Dresses.

But few people know of the many sleepless nights of Sketching, Tailoring, and Planning. I witnessed this on numerous occasions, often begging her to please pleaseplease get some rest.

Many young people see celebrities and want to be just like them overnight- the glitz, the glamour, and the razzmatazz – imagining their lifestyle to be one of continuous excitement and adoration. Maybe at times it is. But they don’t see the other side – the reality – the substance beneath the razzmatazz. For behind an April By Kunbi, and others like her, is hours and hours and hours of Hard Work, Discipline, Focus, and Graft.  This is what the magazine pictures don’t show you; those hours of toil, loneliness, gruel, and exasperation – the substance behind the glitz.

Glitz without substance cannot last.

So if you’re reading this article and have aspirations for fame and glitz, ask yourself;

‘ What is my substance, and what am I the solution to?’

For all the glitz and glamour, the reality is an April By Kunbi is not only a Solution, but as a result of a disciplined mind and a dedication to hard work and excellence, one who’s substance will continue to grow and grow and grow and grow.

My hope is that she and herilkrecognize the power vested in them – giving them an opportunity to change the mindsets and attitudes of young people by teaching them the importance of Focus, Hard Work, Adding Value, Courage to Follow your Passion, and Discipline; thereby making their own very significant contribution to transforming our environment.

Kunbi, if you’re reading this, you have a huge responsibility to Nigeria’s youths, and your work has only just begun. God will see you through.

 

Segun Akande