by SK Johnson
See that? That face up there? That is the face of fury. At least that’s what Stella Damasus expects us to believe. Two days ago the singer/actress released a video on YouTube, supposedly in response to the #ChildNotBride controversy. I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting; something sincere and insightful, maybe? I can’t say, but what I wasn’t expecting was for it to devolve into an exercise into the kind of pointless histrionics the industry to which she belongs is currently criticised for.
Check the video out, by the way;
It’s clear from the title “Stella Damasus Spits Fire!” – yes, complete with the exclamation mark – that she intends for us to believe she means business. Erm, okay.
The video goes on for 5 minutes and essentially sees her throwing out fancy insults for the senators (“randy old men,” in her terms) and saying nothing about nothing. Well, apart from herself, of course. She makes sure to let us know how “unafraid” she is – since, you know, making a video about a major Nigerian media phenomenon and uploading it to YouTube, is an act of bravery the kind of which strikes fear into the hearts of men everywhere – how other celebrities don’t have the balls to do what she’s doing, how angry she is, how loud her voice is, how many ways in which she can twist her face to portray “anger”.
Sigh. I don’t know. I just don’t know. It would be admirable for a celebrity to speak up in a sincere manner about an issue as important as this one but in this case, I just can’t take it seriously. This video Stella Damasus has made is a joke because it doesn’t say anything remotely insightful. It’s a perfect representation of the superficial and reactionary posturing that gets us absolutely nowhere.
Consider this; not once during the 5 minute run of this video does Stella Damasus offer any possible solution. Sure, no one expects her to snap her fingers and solve the problems, after all, she’s only one human being (albeit a very angry one) but what would be the point if we all went around screaming bloody murder instead of making an attempt to be constructive? It could be as simple as her saying “go sign the petition” – but no. She does an awful lot of castigation, though. She calls out Patience Jonathan, Senator Yerima, and other celebrities. Hey, that’s all well and good, but, again, what’s the point? If this video is addressed to the public, what are we supposed to do with it? Appreciate Stella Damasus’s anger? And then what? The only logical explanation would be that it was meant for the Senators themselves, which, paradoxically would be even more illogical. Let’s face it, are senators supposed to cower in fear at Stella Damasus? Are they even going to care at all what she says? I mean, will “shameless old men” who , as Ms. Damasus put it, are trying to “impose their evil desires on an entire nation,” give the slightest bit of a damn what an actress has to say? Will they even sit down to watch it?
I think otherwise.
As much as a lot of us do not like stella right now, I think this a stupid excuse for a write up! Why dont you write something more constructive yourself? Instead of writing this hot bull crap…..who cares if u take her seriously? Allow her to vent her anger…..u really disappointed me with this garbage you’ve written
Well said.
This is just insane. How dare u come here and post this stupid thing? U must be a fool and and a bigger idiot for posting this. I pray ur kids get raped by these men u are protecting.
SK Johnson, ur point is? I’ve also just wasted 5 minutes of my precious time reading ur jargon. Sorry I couldn’t bring myself to finish it…mind u, u forgot to mention that aside from her bn a celebrity, she’s also a mother. So that ‘face of fury* u r so criticising, is d face of a mother of 2 girls and she stands for #ChildNotBride.
SK Johnson, ur point is? I’ve also just wasted 5 minutes of my precious time reading ur jargon. Sorry I couldn’t bring myself to finish it…mind u, u forgot to mention that aside from her bn a celebrity, she’s also a mother. So that ‘face of fury* u r so criticising, is d face of a mother of 2 girls and she stands against #ChildNotBride.
This is the most pointless article I have ever read in my entire life. What really is your point? She has the right to speak her mind which she did. What’s so wrong with that? Instead of sharing your views on this very crucial issue, you’re joblessly insulting someone who had the guts to. As a woman she has more balls than you ever will as a man.
At the end of the day, what value has your article added to the cause? As it is easy to put up a video, it is even easier to type. She has made an effort and you minimise the effort to show you know better but essentially wouldn’t have anything to talk about if she didn’t put up this video.
The mere fact she has put her voice to it, and we are talking about it, gives her cultural significance and makes her effort valuable. If you wanted to help, you could draft a better, more coherent version of her speech and have her present it at another forum, but dissecting her effort and passion without adding any value makes you a hypocrite. If people want to know more, they can do so on their own, Stella is an actress not a blogger or journalist. Applaud her effort. Hypocrite. Too many people commenting, few adding value.
I actually agree with you to some extent. I don't think it was an intelligent discussion of the matter. Mostly shouting and making faces. Seems like acting to me…
At list she made her point, that’s to start from some were, as a pubic figure. No matter the way she puts it! Am against it now & always
U ar so hyppcrite.don’t you understand what is meant by one step at a time,at least she has taken a bold step to make her mind known about the mata.I wish I could slap u for dis nonsense u wrote.u can take it for anytin u like,she has spoken her mind and those concerned have heard.
Atleast she took a step. A step you didn’t take,that’s for sure! She didn’t do the ‘all-curing’ thing, but she did something. And that’s something most people aint willing to do. So instead of writing and castigating her efforts, er..I dunno, how about you continue from where she stopped. Make a video or since u write so well clearly,write something proffering the solutions she didn’t offer.. And how about u make happy faces? So they go along side her ‘angry faces’,mmh? 😉
You are jst talking nonsense Mr whatever you called yourself. @least Stella is saying something you what have you say or done?
I really couldn’t pick anything useful from her display of rage too and am so glad to know am not the only one. You so correct on your points! And I must say from most replies read that the major problem we have in Nigeria apart from corruption is our inability to call a spade a spade!….which mostly arise from sentiments! Why rant for 5minutes without no worthwhile solution? Why talk in d corner of your room n sit there sending it all over social networks?. I was so pissed when I saw it, maybe also cos am not a fan of home videos tho cos that was exactly what her clip reminded me of! Let’s not lose hope on a better Nigeria n pray for good leaders.
u really are ignorant of d purpose of dat video dude or ma'am. she did it to fire up pips like me….nd she's succeeded!!
But at least she made an effort to voice out, it might seem meaningless to you but it has related a message. A message that can make pple voice out and and fight for what they belief in. Plz if u are goin to keep mute abt d ish at hand u can, but dont go about postin irrational comments about pples way of protesting. You either protest or u keep mute. Thank you! Instead of writin sometin meaningful, u choose dis…I'm sory to say but u lack insight on dis one!
But at least she made an effort to voice out, it might seem meaningless to you but it has related a message. A message that can make pple voice out and and fight for what they belief in. Plz if u are goin to keep mute abt d ish at hand u can, but dont go about postin irrational comments about pples way of protesting. You either protest or u keep mute. Thank you! Instead of writin sometin meaningful, u choose dis…I'm sory to say but u lack insight on dis one!
But at least she made an effort to voice out, it might seem meaningless to you but it has related a message. A message that can make pple voice out and and fight for what they belief in. Plz if u are goin to keep mute abt d ish at hand u can, but dont go about postin irrational comments about pples way of protesting. You either protest or u keep mute. Thank you! Instead of writin sometin meaningful, u choose dis…I’m sory to say but u lack insight on dis one!
Can you just hear urself? No solutions Proffered, no constructive criticisms, absolutely nothing! Instead of u applauding her fr lending her voice, dere u r tryn 2 gt ur substandard article published. Wats ur point exactly!
U must really be a fool to think that all she wants is attention on social media, she used re discipline to narrate the ill of the sanate decision and u re criticizing, abeg wetin u do for this matta mumu. Ur re d one seeking attention by writing dis rubbish I regret opening it u obviously one of dos perverts she was referring to. Abeg go sleep hungry man
Its funny how you people can waste time attacking other people. You now that has written this article, you could have put it to suggesting possible solutions too. Stella, like every right thinking Nigerian is furious and is clearly making her stance known and has not said she wants you to approve of what she has said like she rightly pointed out towatds the end of the video and you are busy displaying your emptiness. Get a life abeg. Nawao to una bad belle people
I couldn’t even watch the video till the end…
I really appreciate how Nigerians have rallied together to fight a cause. I really don’t care if the video was real or an act. What I care about however is the way my beloved Nigerians have reacted based on some grapevine stories. Contrary to what some ‘journalists’ and ‘bloggers’ have fed us with, the Senate did not deliberate or vote on the ‘Child’s Right Act’. The voting was on Section 29 of the 1999 constitution which states the age at which a Nigerian can renounce his/her Citizenship. I suggest we all study that Section and watch the Senate sitting again. What I think we should fight for is that The Child’s Right Act be adhered to by all means.
I’m sorry to say…but u are a big disgrace to writers and bloggers.Wat nonsense! Ah ahn…why are some people so stupid and uncought!….if u have nothing to say or offer ur generation,why not just sit down and watch cartoons?rather that criticising d work of a responsible woman,who is obviously not perfect,but knows her onions.please!…just stay out of it and get lost!keep ur irrelevant views to ur self and shove it down ur throat!
Something is wrong with you! She is an actress and criticising the ills of the society in order to improve it is her job which ever way she chooses to.I don’t blame you anyway u seem an illiterate.
The fact that u could think that such a video is in abd taste obviously shows that you are either twisted yourself or just so damned ignorant of all what is going on around you! I guess you are saying it’s ok for your 11 year old to be married off to ur grandfather! Or maybe that’s what you fancy yourself! If you can’t help Stella champion this cause, then shut up and shut down your site!
At least, u had d sense to post it on ur blog!
You are a disgrace to all intellectuals and learned people alike!
Bite me!!!!
Mr Oga, you are a joker!
All you deserve, is to be ignored.
you are a big mugu… write something good and stop castigating other people.. india mgbada…
Lmao! I like u
no mind the fool jare, imagine… too much crack makes him write rubbish… indian Mugu.. lol
Mr Writer-Know-All. Pride is written all over your useless post!!
I think dos senators dat sign d bill are under sataniac spell. If dat i ao dia parents were given in marriage, dia will no be nigeria today. “Say no to under age marriage”. No wonder nigeria is lagging behind in d committe of nations. The president, govs, obas are all silent on dis critical issue. O ma se o!. We keep sining to God in dis nation everyday with our acts. ‘Jesu gba wa lorile ede nigeria’. May God revolutionalize dis nation frm bad leadership and give us d ‘desired’ nation of our own. Amen
Olodo go nd do u own video let’s see u. U can’t appreciate wat someone has done nd ur here talking rubbish. I don’t see anything bad in d video
I was piss when I watched the video as well. The video doesn’t portray her as been seriously but rather as one of their usual home video. All I was able to pick was her call on why our first lady hasn’t said anything on the issue but rather on the political issue that doesn’t concern her. Abeg, Stella come and join the struggle here. Don’t just sit there in US and rant.
Well done all the same, you are a good actress. We need sincere activist and achievers.
People like u Mr know it all are the problems we have in Nigeria today. When people do nothing you will shout and complain, now Stella is trying to do something,no matter how little you are still complaining. If we can’t stand together and rally behind each other, then am sorry we are fighting a lost course if we have people like you in the majority.
to put it simply, you are a gutless-spineless-apology of a writer! To even sit down for a minute and even contemplate what you just wrote is ..disgusting!
my advice to you… since you enjoy being proffered with solutions; is to channel some of you ill and mediocre writing prowess towards some burning issues that affects our beloved country, instead of attacking those that have the guts to do so.
and yet again…SK writes nothing serious.. am done reading any of your stuff….there is really nothing in there..Darn!
Well, she said it in the video….write anything u like to insult her….as a thinking human being, does she hv to spell it to ur face???? So because the senators won’t watch it (by the way, this video is viral, trust me they’ll see it) she shud bottle up her fury and see nonsense happen??? Pls, nxt time u want to write, put on ur thinking cap…
So wat do u want her to do…pls we need answers from u mr all knowing.