by Chi Ibe

Following the recent circulation of pictures showing iconic Nigerian singer Majek Fashek in a shabby state, looking like a shell of his old self, the reactions on social media and blogs have been one of shock – with many referring to his much-talked-about use of drugs and alcohol, and many indicating that the Rainmaker is stuck in Nigeria, homeless and unwell.

However, his close friend Charles Novia, movie producer and director, has come out to set the records straight about Fashek.

“Just for the record, Majek Fashek is alive,” he said. “I have been part of his artistic and physical recovery regimen for close to a decade and he is also a friend, brother and artistic genius. I am in a better position to determine the state of his mental and physical health and all I will say here is that Majek is artistically sound and healthily on a physical recovery regimen.

“As much as recent pictures of Majek are unnerving to his fans and friends, it must be noted that Majek’s road to recovery is slow and tortuous but very sure. Snide remarks and contempt are not what he needs but prayers and understanding. To clarify, Majek is on holidays in Nigeria and not homeless. He’s a certified American citizen with his artistic prowess duly recorded in the annals of musical history. He has been my personal crusade over the years because I believe that a man is never ruled out when he is still breathing! Majek’s problems are not insurmountable.

“And to clarify what (blogger) Chris Nwandu posted on Facebook, I am still with Majek. Very close. I don’t abandon friends, no matter what. I’m presently working on a visual memoir of this great artiste. The movie will be out this year. Perhaps then, people will understand.”

See Fashek before and now (It is important to note that he has looked this way for a while now – so it is not a new development):

What do you think?