“Black Santa” – Bobblack Storms Ekiti with Goodie Bags,Cash Giveaways
... Over 500 Ekiti Residents Benefit from Hip-Hop Star's Generosity
A Nigerian-born hip-hop artist based in the United States, Bolaji Oke Johnson, popularly known as Bobblack, made a striking entry into Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, bringing with him goodie bags of food and cash giveaways for over 500 residents. The beneficiaries included market women, okada riders, and students, all eager to partake in the largesse.
The distribution, which took place in front of the palace of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, HRM Oba Rufus Adejugbe, followed what appeared to be royal blessings and approval from the monarch. Hundreds of enthusiastic residents lined up to receive gifts from the kind-hearted singer, whose convoy of modest cars and security details drew attention across the city.
In an interview, Bobblack explained that the gesture was his way of giving back to the community that raised him. Having grown up in Odo Ayedun Ekiti and graduated from Ekiti State University (EKSU) with a degree in Geology, the singer said the inspiration for the giveaway came from the recent economic challenges faced by Nigerians. “While governments and corporations are doing their part, this is my own little contribution to help the less privileged in society, especially here in Ekiti where I come from,” he said.
Bobblack also touched on the message behind his music, aimed at inspiring youths to be self-reliant and forward-thinking. He urged young people to resist being used for negative purposes and instead strive to become solution providers and employers of labor. “As a graduate, you don’t need to wait for a white-collar job. You are a graduate to be a solution merchant, not a parasite,” he added.
The hip-hop artist is set to release his latest single, *”Shock”*, which focuses on overcoming hardships. “Hard times are not meant to break us, but to make us stronger. Your success will ‘shock’ your detractors if you stay focused,” he remarked.
When asked if the giveaway was politically motivated, Bobblack firmly denied any political ambitions, stating that the funds for the gifts came from his own personal struggles as a musician both in Nigeria and abroad.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for Bobblack’s generosity, calling on other Nigerians and musicians to follow his example. Bobblack, who previously collaborated with the popular “Zazu” singer, Portable, promised fans that they can expect more music and impactful projects from him in the future.
