Flavour N'abania: 5 reasons why singer's silence is troubling

On the 31st of March, Highlife artiste Flavour Nabania held a free concert at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu.

The concert which featured a few of his friends from the East was supposed to be one in which the singer shows appreciation to his fans for their love and support for his music over the years.

However, the event which promised a spectacular musical experience ended up becoming a horror show as tweets began to emanate from those present at the concert about several ugly activities, specifically involving ladies allegedly getting raped with the security personnel on the ground helpless to stop the victims.

What began as one tweet soon increased as multiple handles confirmed the incidents and even provided pictures (unverified) of ladies moving around in groups just to ward off their attackers.

[No available link text]

It is quite surprising that days after the incident and with the Police releasing an official statement of inquiry, (Even though as at the time of writing this report, they have stated that no one has come forward to report any case of rape at their station), neither the organizers, singer or his team have found it worthy to issue a statement denying or taking responsibility for the event that happened on their watch.

[No available link text]

His silence is understandable considering that this is how most issues are handled in this side of the world, where the PR team instead of taking control of the narrative, resort to praying and fasting hoping that some other issue will arise and sweep the story under the carpet.

Perhaps, the trick could have worked this time, but bearing in mind that towards the end of last year, Indigenous rapper Phyno held the 3rd edition of his PhynoFest concert in the same Enugu State, though at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, and there were also allegations of girls being raped at the event which the artiste duly denied, it calls for worry that Flavour has taken the chosen not to react as at yet.

Here are five reasons why Flavour’s silence in this situation is in no way golden;

1. Speaking out will send a signal to his legion of fans and lovers that sexual assault in any form against women is unacceptable to him as a person and his brand as a role model.