How Iwuanyanwu Rescued My Career After I Disowned My Parents – Charly Boy

Musician and activist Charly Boy has revealed that the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, played a pivotal role in reviving his music career in 1981. This revelation came as Charly Boy paid tribute to Iwuanyanwu, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 82.

Charly Boy recounted how, after returning to Nigeria from the United States and severing ties with his parents over their lack of support for his music aspirations, he met Iwuanyanwu in his village of Oguta. To his astonishment, Iwuanyanwu gifted him $8,000, a sum that enabled him to establish a studio and launch his career.

Expressing profound gratitude, Charly Boy described Iwuanyanwu as the first Nigerian to believe in and support his dreams, referring to him affectionately 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,” he shared. “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 the Brand as I started my Jankara studio in my village. He was the very first Nigerian who supported and believed in my dream.”

Reflecting on the significance of legacy, Charly Boy emphasized the importance of touching lives, inspiring others, and leaving lasting impressions. He praised Iwuanyanwu for his kindness and the impact he had on his life, underscoring the enduring power of generosity and belief in others.

“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,” Charly Boy added.