Feuds amongst celebrities, whether it’s on the social media, verbal and physical assaults, often spark off endless conversations, escalating into the public space with fans and ardent followers taking sides. KEHINDE OSASONA examines why celebrities feud, as well as what they gain or lose doing so.
The whys
Celebrity fights across lines of craft, trade and vocation, whether real face-off or manufactured, for gains or fame, often stem from personal conflicts, beef, competitive tensions, or strategic attempts to boost fame, galvanise income in the process and or enhance their revenue drives.
Sometimes, the ‘celebs’ in question cross all limits with fans, record labels, mentees, buddies, followers and friends pitching tents. Whether it’s a war of words or a physical assault at a high-profile event, social media, locations or red carpets, these feuds have over the years captured attention and have sparked endless conversations.
Before now, many social commentators have argued that there’s something irresistible about watching famous people fight; however, they were also quick to submit that some feuds are genuine while others are often orchestrated for entertainment and financial gain.
In their pig-fights, their followers, especially the so-called Gen Z who are often at home with the endless drama according to a sociologist, get entertained, peep into their preferred star lifestyles whether they are fake or real in the process. The fans may not stop scrolling for more as for them, it’s what is now being referred to as “cruise” in the social parlance.
Most of the feuds, which have been likened to never-ending reality shows in most cases, often filter out to the public despite attempts by some of them to shroud it in secrecy. Worst still, the advent of social media has not helped matters as it has, in most cases, amplified these clashes, turning private disputes into drama, conflict and endless public spectacles that everyone can weigh in on.
Who beefs who?
From reality TV stars, influencers, entertainers, musicians, footballers, actors and Tik-tokers, the feud, which has now become a tradition in the social space, has had lasting impacts on their careers in one way or the other. While the habitual act has opened doors for some, most of them have had to lose their endorsement, ambassadorial status, contracts, respect and even dignity in the society while the drama lasted.
Most recently, there had been a face-off between a popular film actor, Kanayo Kanayo, and another colleague, Yul Edochie, which got rumour mills talking and passing judgments. Others who have at one time or the other beefed or are still beefing and dragging one another are Iyabo Ojo vs Liz Anjorin, Very Dark Man vs Bobrisky on one side and Zaazu and Bobrisky on another.
There is also the Wizkid vs Davido, Blessing CEO vs Blessing Nkechi, Gideon Okeke vs Jim Iyke, Eedris Abdulkareem vs Burna Boy, 2Baba vs Blackface vs Face, MI vs Vector, Olamide vs Don Jazzy, BNXN vs Ruger, Odumodublvck vs Blacqbonez, Esabod vs Kemi Olunloyo, Tiwa Savage vs Yemi Alade, Laide Bakare vs Eniola Badmus and others too numerous to mention.
The gains
With calls for truce and occasional preaching for peace and unity amongst celebrities by concerned Nigerians and fans- alike, the personalities involved have continued to count their “gains” and “losses” irrespective.
For some of them, the gains could be increase media attention, record sales, advancements in personal or product brand, more traffic, unusual attention, more followers on the social media, more money, severance of contracts, poor or low patronage, significant downturn in public opinion with fans choosing sides and intensifying the feud through the social media among others.
Expert, social commentators speak
In an exclusive chat with the Blueprint Weekend, a psychologist and emotional therapist, Princess Joy Omagha Idam, cited low self esteem on the part of the celebrities as reasons for frequent beef.
“Tell me why a person would want to do BBL to enhance her butt or boobs? It does not make sense. You see some totally bleach out rather than thank God for how they are made. They are never content with where they are or what they have. So, you see them want to dress the way the other person does. Buy the same Brazilian or Peruvian hair. They want to buy houses where others bought which for me is senseless.
“Even for twins, none can ever be the same. Look at the PSquare for instance. Everyone is unique in its own way and we must learn to accept our uniqueness and allow it to be our selling point. In trying to belong or get what others have has made many of them cut corners or even do Yahoo Plus to meet up, not to even talk about unnecessary jealousy and envy,” she said.
Going forward, she charged celebs in Nigeria to maintain slow but steady progress, stay on their respective lanes, let bygones be bygones, and wait until they all arrive at the same destination.
Also speaking exclusively with our correspondent on the same issue, a social commentator and media personality, Debbie Musa, described “beef” amongst entertainers around the world as a common occurrence. For her, the cause could be as a result of one gaining prominence over the others, especially in this era of social media where they are competing on who gets what and how many followers.
She stated that, “In the Nigerian entertainment industry, we have seen recurrent beef between Davido and Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy and a host of others. A popular beef that had a sad ending was the one between record label boss Naira Marley and Mohbad. Unfortunately, the peace crooner did not survive it as his death was allegedly linked to multiple bullying allegedly instigated by his boss in the music industry.”
Nollywood, she said, has also had its fair share. “We have seen beefs between Angela Okorie and Mercy Johnson and by extension, Regina Daniels – the wife of billionaire politician and Senator Ned Nwoko, Tonto Dikeh and social media influencer, Jane Mena, among others,” she said. According to her, the celebrities are dearly loved by their fans and are seen as role models by the younger generation. Their acts therefore directly and indirectly impacts on the younger generation,” she said.
Akinyemi Julius, another social commentator, gave a conclusive view saying, celebrity lifestyle is purely competition. “Why do you think for instance they are always quick to display wealth, live swanky lifestyles or flash their opulence? It is like an animal kingdom where only the fittest, the most powerful, the smartest and cunning survives or reigns.”