Economic hardship: Veteran Nigerian Actor, Singer postpone birthday celebrations

Veteran actor, Jide Kosoko, and Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, have both cancelled their birthdays coming up soon due to current economists hardship in Nigeria.

Kosoko turns 70, while KWAM 1 turns 67.

In a post on his Instagram page on Sunday, Kosoko thanked his colleagues who had come up with the idea of celebrating him for his 70th birthday and contributions to the movie industry but said he had discussed with them that the celebration should be put on hold because of the situation in the country.

He said, “I want to use this opportunity to offer my sincere appreciation to my colleagues who came up with the idea of celebrating me for my contributions to industry growth and development our industry while I am still alive and kicking. This also falls within the year of my 70th birthday.

Kosoko

“It is my sincere prayer that they will all remain relevant in all areas of human endeavours they find themselves in.

“I have discussed with them, and they reasoned, that the celebration should be put on hold, basically because of the current situation in the country and what the people are going through.

“I am very sure that very soon, the challenges facing the country will be over and we will all be happy for it.

“I am putting it on hold because of the masses, of which I am part of.”

“Thank you all for your understanding!” he added.

Pres. Tinubu (left) with KWAM 1

Similarly, popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, on Sunday cancelled his 67th birthday celebration over the current state of the nation.

Wasiu Ayinde who is well known as a strong loyalist of President Bola Tinubu revealed this in a press statement.

The veteran singer said he preferred that his loyalists made donations to people in need rather than celebrate his birthday with him.

This decision came barely a month after the singer cried during a live performance during which he sang about how Tinubu’s performance had left Nigerians disappointed so far.

His statement reads: “To the glory of God Almighty, I am turning 67 years on this planet earth on 3rd of March 2024.

“A joyous day for me, that many of my friends and associates across the globe usually join with me and my family to celebrate.

“My fans, both home and abroad, always make the best out of that day in history.

“Now that the day is near and inside of me, there is nothing much happening in our country Nigeria to warrant me celebrating at this point in time.

“Many people are praying for survival at this point; to feed well is a big issue for many and, as someone that benefits from many of these people crying and lamenting, I share in their pains and see no reason I should be celebrating.

“Yes, I agree what our country is passing through now is not permanent and government is trying in every possible way to get things fixed and I believe God Almighty shall open ways and better direction for the leadership of our dear country.

“I, hereby, implore and request all my loved ones, instead of coming to celebrate, eat and drink at this time, please choose this my coming birthday celebration to help someone nearer to you.”