“Iwuanyanwu gave me $8000 to build my brand after I disowned my parents” – Charly Boy eulogizes late former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo
Musician and activist Charly Boy has credited the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, with saving his music career in 1981 when he returned to Nigeria from the United States.
In a tribute to Iwuanyanwu, who died at 82, Charly Boy shared how, after being disowned by his parents, Iwuanyanwu gave him $8,000. This generosity enabled him to set up a studio in his village, Oguta, and launch his career. Charly Boy expressed profound gratitude, noting that Iwuanyanwu was the first Nigerian to believe in and support his dreams.
He highlighted the importance of legacy, touching lives, and inspiring others, and thanked Iwuanyanwu for his kindness, calling him “Biggest bros/father.”
“When I returned from the USA 1981, all I had was a dream as a broke Ass Charly Boy wanna be.
“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. Dat 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.
“My people, legacy is really about the lives we touched, the inspiration we gave, altering someone’s plan – if 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,” he added.
