By Pelumi King
It has been widely thought that most Nigerian celebrities are not really interested in political activities/movements. They have been thought by many to care less about the plight of Nigerians and other happenings that threaten the nation.
However, the ongoing End SARS protest has changed many people’s view if not most people about celebrities participation in national affairs. It all started when Wizkid quoted Governor BabajideSanwoOlu’s tweet and President Muhammadu Buhari’s tweet calling the latter “an old man”. In those tweets, he called them out for not doing the right things to stop Police brutality in the country. Those tweets alone gave the #EndSARS protests particularly the online protests more impetus.
Wizkid kept on tweeting and retweeting posts in support of the ENDSARS movement. He even made an appearance at a protest in London. Wizkid further pushed the release of his album “Made in Lagos” till after the #ENDSARS protests.
Wizkid was not the only celebrity involved in this struggle. Davido was also very actively involved in the ENDSARS protests both online and in physical protests. Davido joined them at the Abuja Protest ground and had a meeting with the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Police in order to put an end to the protests. He also tweeted and retweeted many posts in support of ENDSARS.
Social Media comedian and internet sensation Mr Macaroni was also very involved in the protests. He and Rinu led a group of protesters to the Lagos state House of Assembly to air their grievances. They slept overnight even after their canopies, tents and chairs were removed. A picture of Mr Macaroni sleeping on a cardboard quickly circulated online. He also released skits that were in support of #ENDSARS.
There were other numerous celebrities who joined the #END SARS protest. Tiwa Savage, Laycon, Erica, Prince, Burna Boy, Joeboy, Oxlade, Phyno, Flavour. Efe, Tacha, Mercy, Omoni Oboli, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ramsey Noah to mention a few joined the protests. International celebrities such as Trey Songz, Beyonce, Lewis Hamilton, Anthony Joshua, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B and so many other international celebrities lent their voices to the #ENDSARS movement.
The CEO of Twitter, Jack also lent his voice to the movement. He even created a hashtag and emoji specifically for the ENDSARS movement. The #ENDSARS movements practically became a global movement.
Whether people decide to accept or not, the participation of Celebrities gave the protests more voice. Celebrities’ participation certainly gave lots of positive influence in the #ENDSARS protests. They managed to unite a lot of people and also gave lots of courage to lots of people to sorosoke (speak up).
