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Outspoken Ghanaian actress, Lydia
Forson has joined entertainment industry stakeholders and Ghanaians who
are paying touching tributes to late Ghanaian comedian, Bishop Bob
Okala.
Okala, 59, was born Samuel Kwadwo Buabeng and died on
Sunday dawn March 13, 2016 at the Koforidua Government Hospital after a
performance in the town.
He indeed died after doing what he loves
best, COMEDY. But there are doubts to whether he was even paid for his
performance, as reports claimed that he had to “BEG” organisers of the
show to make his appearance.
In her Facebook post, Lydia Forson
did not just eulogize the comedian but also lamented the sad case of
entertainers working for free.
Below is what Lydia Forson said on Facebook:
“Sad day… Comedians and artist give us so much and get very little in return.
They make us laugh, cry and take us through tough periods of our lives with their art.
It’s
easy to assume we have it all, after all how will you know we don’t. To
bring you the best we often have to suppress our own challenges and
discomfort just to entertain and live up to the standards you’ve set for
us.
When’s the last time you bought a film, paid for a concert
or for a song. It’s almost always a bootleg version or an excuse to get
it for free. For those who do, we are ever grateful but for those who
don’t, how do you think we survive?
Where do you think the money
comes from? How are we constantly trying to bring out the best amidst
your criticisms without any money? How?
You say you made us. But
with what contribution? How many have invited us to parties and expected
us to be there for free, forgetting it’s how you make a living.
How
many have requested we MC their events and weddings, as a “friend”? How
many times have you berated a celebrity for not giving enough to
“charity” , when in some cases they are walking charities themselves.
As I read the news about Bob Okala’s death these are some of the thoughts that ran through my mind
Why
do we continue? Because it is a passion that you can’t run away from, a
passion that needs to be fed, a passion that needs to continue to give
no matter how unappreciated, underrated or disrespected it makes you
feel.
Bob Okala, once upon a time made us all laugh and for a lot of us entertainment industry paved a way.
Thanks
to people like him , a lot more attention was brought into the industry
and we are in some ways enjoying the fruits of his labour and that of
others before us.
Are things much better for us now than it was
for them? Yes. But we still have a long way to go. Sorry for the long
rant, but his death has got me feeling some type of way. To all who
support and genuinely appreciate us, thank you. #RIPBOBOKALA?” |
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