Veteran Nigerian singer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has opened up about his recent battle with depression.
The 74-year-old entertainer, also called Area Fada, made a heartfelt post on social media, revealing how the incident affected his mental health deeply, almost pushing him to the edge.
“Life is a bitch, then we die,” he began, describing how the emotional stress almost sent him into depression. “I had to japa to Europe to cool off and visit my brother, Dr Alban,” he revealed.
Dr Alban is a Sweden-based Nigerian musician, known for the global hit “It’s My Life.” The trip, according to Charly Boy, was meant to help him relax and recover. However, peace still seemed far away.
“I was to spend 3 weeks recharging and rebooting. But only after 10 days, body begin scratch me like say I forget something for Nigeria,” he said. “The same environment wey dey give me sleepless nights sometimes. I couldn’t even do 2 weeks complete—I run come back.”
Charly Boy admitted that while he could joke about the situation, the experience exposed the seriousness of mental health struggles. “Depression na real matter. I was lucky enough to take a break and come back refreshed. But how many people get that kind privilege? Some people no even get where to run to. Dem dey stuck with their pain, smiling on the outside, but bleeding inside.”
He called on Nigerians to stop treating mental health issues as weakness or a taboo topic, stressing the importance of speaking out and seeking help.
“If Area Fada fit admit say sometimes e dey choke, you too no need to pretend. Speak up, breathe, find your way back. Life go still test us, but make we no let am break us.”
Charly Boy, who has long been known for his outspoken activism and eccentric style, ended his message with a note of hope: “My people, here’s wishing you a happier month. It shall be well with us.”
Mental health advocacy remains a growing conversation in Nigeria, where many still suffer in silence due to societal stigma. Charly Boy’s honest confession is a powerful reminder that even public figures are not immune to emotional struggles—and that everyone deserves support.
