In the heart of Kano, Nigeria, a city renowned for its rich Islamic heritage and cultural traditions, a disturbing trend has emerged in the entertainment industry. G-FRESH Al’amin, a popular TikToker, has been at the center of controversy, sparking concerns among fans, critics, and the general public. This editorial aims to unmask the dark side of Kano’s entertainment industry, exemplified by G-FRESH’s behavior, and explore the implications for the state’s moral fabric.
Not everyone is blessed with the title of being a celebrity, whereby people look up to them. Many work hard to achieve their goals of becoming someone known to the public, but sometimes, the spotlight still doesn’t shine on them. Being a celebrity is indeed a gift from God, allowing individuals to shine and have the privilege of supporting, motivating, and enlightening the masses. However, not everyone uses this gift in a decent and responsible manner. Instead, some celebrities misuse their platform, compromising the decency and moral values of our society.
As a TikToker, G-FRESH Al’amin has been a household name in Kano, Nigeria, and beyond. However, his consistent display of indecent behavior has raised concerns among his fans and the general public. Despite hailing from a state with a rich Islamic heritage, G-FRESH Al’amin has pushed the boundaries of what is considered acceptable behavior. His videos often contain explicit language and content that may not be suitable for younger or more conservative viewers.
Observing G-FRESH’s recent videos, it’s clear he doesn’t align with the values and habits of the people of Kano and the northerners. He casually uses explicit language and references private parts in his videos, which are often designed to go viral. This is concerning, especially considering the younger audience who may be influenced by his content and adopt bad habits.
Moreover, G-FRESH’s penchant for wearing chains in his videos is particularly disturbing, as it is often seen as a symbol of bad behavior in Northern Nigerian culture. This blatant disregard for cultural norms is not only unbecoming of a public figure but also contributes to the erosion of traditional values.
One area of concern is G-FRESH’s handling of sensitive topics, particularly his vocal opposition to gay and lesbianism. While he may have been attempting to promote traditional values, his approach has been criticized for being insensitive and inappropriate. His content sometimes targets the continuous condemnation of same-sex relationships, which, although may not be influencing, is still considered indecent in the context of Northern Nigerian culture.
As a Muslim, and indeed, as a member of any religious community, such explicit language is generally considered prohibited. While it’s acceptable to discuss these topics in a subtle and respectful manner, openly using such language is not acceptable.
G-FRESH’s attitude and behavior are evident in almost all his videos. I question the Kano Hisbah Board’s approach to allowing him to continue producing such content, especially given his claims of being a Kano indigene, referring to himself as “Kano state Material.” Even after the conclusion of the long-standing controversy between G-FRESH and Sayyada Sa’adiya Haruna, his actions continue to raise eyebrows. Furthermore, his recent encounter with the Hisbah Board has sparked outrage among many.
The Hisbah Board’s efforts to address G-FRESH’s indecent behavior have been met with resistance, further emphasizing the need for celebrities to be held accountable for their actions. The Kano Hisbah Board’s actions against G-FRESH Al’amin have sparked important questions about their effectiveness in upholding Islamic values and the constitution of Kano State. Despite their efforts, G-FRESH’s behavior hasn’t changed, suggesting that the board’s strategies might not be yielding the desired results.
If the Hisbah Board continues to give him freedom, the image of Kano as an Islamic state will gradually be tarnished. It’s also likely that other artists may follow in his footsteps, potentially leading to more explicit content, such as public romance and other undesirable behavior.
As the primary authority responsible for enforcing Sharia law and promoting Islamic values, the Hisbah Board has a critical role to play in maintaining social justice and equality within the community. However, the ongoing controversy surrounding G-FRESH’s actions raises concerns about the board’s ability to balance individual freedoms with the need to uphold Islamic principles.
To address this issue, the Kano State government and the Hisbah Board must re-examine their strategies and consider collaborating with other stakeholders, such as community leaders, religious scholars, and law enforcement agencies. By working together, they can develop more effective solutions that promote Islamic values while respecting individual freedoms.
Ultimately, the Hisbah Board’s effectiveness will depend on its ability to adapt and evolve in response to changing social norms and values. By doing so, they can ensure that Islamic principles are upheld while also respecting the rights and welfare of all individuals within the community.
As a public figure, G-FRESH has a responsibility to use his platform wisely. He should strive to create content that is respectful, decent, and promotes positive values. By doing so, he can help to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Kano state, and serve as a role model for his fans.
The Kano state government has taken steps to promote decency and morality in the state. However, more needs to be done to address the issue of celebrities who consistently engage in indecent behavior. The government should take lessons from the incident involving Murja Ibrahim Kunya, a Hausa TikToker who gained fame by producing explicit videos that contradicted northern cultural and traditional values. Although action was taken against her, her influence can still be seen in other innocent girls who are now producing more explicit content online.
Moreover, the entertainment industry has a crucial role to play in promoting positive values and decency. Industry stakeholders, including producers, directors, and promoters, should ensure that the content they produce and promote is respectful, decent, and promotes positive values. In today’s digital age, celebrities have a vast reach and influence. They should use this influence to promote positive change, support social causes, and bring attention to important issues.
Furthermore, it is essential for G-FRESH and other celebrities to understand the importance of media professionalism. This includes being aware of their audience, creating engaging and respectful content, managing their online presence, and responding to criticism and feedback. Additionally, fans and supporters of celebrities like G-FRESH have a responsibility to hold them accountable for their actions. They should demand more from their celebrities, expecting them to use their platforms to promote positive change and support social causes.
Being a celebrity is not just about fame and fortune; it is also about responsibility. G-FRESH and other celebrities have a unique opportunity to inspire and influence their fans. Caution needs to be taken to prevent further degradation of Kano’s moral fabric. The government, religious leaders, and community stakeholders must work together to promote a culture of decency and morality in Kano state. This can be achieved through education, awareness campaigns, and community engagement.
Furthermore, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and other regulatory bodies should take a closer look at the content being produced and broadcast in Nigeria. They should ensure that the content meets the required standards of decency and morality. G-FRESH’s behavior is a reflection of the larger issue of indecency in the entertainment industry. It is essential that we address this issue collectively, as a society, to prevent further degradation of our moral fabric.
We must promote a culture of decency, morality, and respect for our cultural heritage. By doing so, we can ensure that our entertainment industry promotes positive values and decency, rather than indecency and immorality.
©Shamsuddeen Suleiman Malami
Youth activist, Social and political advocate, a graduate of Mass Communication
shamsuddeensmalami@gmail.com