Popular Nigerian Musician and activist Charly Boy revealed that the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, played a pivotal role in saving his music career in 1981 when he returned to Nigeria from the United States.
In a tribute to Iwuanyanwu, who passed away on the 25th of July, 2024, at the age of 82, Charly Boy recounted how, after being disowned by his parents for pursuing his music dreams, he met Iwuanyanwu in his village, Oguta.
There, Iwuanyanwu generously gifted him $8,000, which enabled him to establish a studio and launch his career.
Charly Boy expressed deep gratitude, noting that Iwuanyanwu was the first Nigerian to believe in and support his ambitions.
He emphasized the importance of legacy, touching lives, and inspiring others, thanking Iwuanyanwu for his kindness and referring to him as “Biggest bros/father.”
“When I returned from the USA 1981, all I had was a dream as a broke Ass Charly Boy wanna be.
“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. Dat gave me the impetus to build the Brand as I started my Jankara studio in my village. He was the very first Nigerian who supported and believed in my dream.
“My people, legacy is really about the lives we touched, the inspiration we gave, altering someone’s plan – if even for a moment – and getting them to think, cry, laugh, argue.He said.