Treading on the slippery path of stardom

To be a star or a celebrity means one has become famous for doing what he does, and above all is wealthy. With these come public affection and celebration for reaching the top of one’s chosen career.

As the popular saying goes, “all the fingers are not equal” and so whereas in other jurisdictions stars swim in real cash such as the Lebarons, 50 Cents, Oprah Winfreys, Mayweathers and the Jay Zs of this world, the same cannot be said of those we call stars here.

In terms of public affection, our stars do not lag behind even if most of them can not afford to own limousines, mansions and designer clothes. After all, all stars “be stars” just as JFK in the US and KIA in Ghana are all international airports.

Being a star has its trappings which may include free access to places and offices, shout-outs by people as you move about and these days, regular appearances on TV .

In return, the star who is seen as a role model must live above reproach and strive to continuously enjoy the goodwill and respect of his teeming fans. These can be seen in his disposition, relationship with other members of the society, his service to his community and most importantly, his relationship with the law.

In the Western World, it is common to see stars having brushes with the law as part of their stardom. Some of the frequent problems include domestic issues, drink-driving, drugs and arms possession.

Jail The good thing is that in those places, erring stars are quickly sanctioned even if it does not deter others from walking the same path. Mike Tyson went to jail at a time when he was a world boxing champion and one of the popular stars on the planet.

Even the Almighty Floyd Mayweather with all his money and fame was not spared time in jail. The well-respected writer, business woman and TV personality, Martha Stewart who is worth over 600 million dollars equally had her time in jail. This would have been unheard of in our part of the world.

Unfortunately in a society where we tend to swallow everything hook, line and sinker from the Western World, our local stars seem to be picking this unhealthy attitude. Some dress like the 50 Cents, sometimes wearing winter jackets and boots to match (even in this hot weather) and all manner of accessories to look like their Western idols. This in itself is not illegal even if uncomfortable.

However when it borders on infractions with the law then it becomes a bit disturbing. It looks like the fame and little wealth that has accrued to some of our local stars is gradually eating into their heads and the earlier we checked this as a society, the better it will be for us.

In the last couple of years, several of our local stars have fallen foul of the law. Notable among these are Kofi Nti, for allegedly assaulting his wife and father in law, John Paintsil, for assaulting his wife, Mzbel for assaulting a police officer, Shatta Wale for using an unauthorised motorcade, Baffour Gyan for assaulting a journalist and Kwaw Kese for allegedly smoking marijuana (wee)in public.

Begging for Clemency Stars are first and foremost human beings and so like all of us, a little brush with the law once in a while may be excused but clearly not when a disturbing trend is emerging . What is worrying is when institutions of state and responsible personalities who should know better troop to the police to beg for clemency when stars are arrested on suspicion of committing crime.

In the case of John Paintsil, the GFA Executives played a key role and so also did MUSIGA in the Mzbel case. As I write, I am told there is a Free Kwaw Kese Movement or whatever. Yet we blame the police for dereliction of duty. Are we strengthening them to perform their tasks by our actions?

To some extent, the so-called managers of these stars cannot be absolved from blame. A manager’s job, among others, is to manage the ego of his artiste but what do we see? We have managers who behave like the Siamese twin of the artiste they manage. Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate between the artiste and his manager.

The Laws of nature In all these, it is important to note that the laws of nature do not defer to stars unlike human justice which may be tampered with mercy. All over the world, several stars in their prime continue to loss their lives prematurely due to excesses and indiscretion.

The sad cases of Suzzy Williams, Terry Bonchaka, Kiki Gyan, Amy Winehouse and the American actor, Paul Walker of Fast and Furious fame come to mind. There are several examples of stars who failed to shine for several reasons. I guess the case of Gemann is still fresh in our memories to be recounted.

You can be a star and still keep your cool and be useful to society. Samini’s solar lantern initiative and Okyeame Kwame’s Hepatitis B campaign are two examples worthy of emulation.

If you are in doubt, toe the line of durable stars such as Kojo Antwi, Azumah Nelson and Abedi Pele and the legion of others both home and abroad and you will not falter.

Stars have come and gone and stars will come and go but to endure, humility and respect for the law are sure ingredients. My dear star tread cautiously for yours is a slippery road.