Italian-Nigerian singer Charles Onyeabor has voiced his frustration over fake friendships and one-sided relationships in a candid social media post.
Describing himself as “old-fashioned” and “loyal to a fault,” Onyeabor criticised people who treat friendships like business deals, offering little to no support unless there’s something to gain.
In an Instagram post, he announced new boundaries for his relationships, stating that if he calls someone twice and doesn’t get a response within 24 hours, he will delete their number without hesitation.
He stressed the importance of mutual support, making it clear that he expects friends to back his music and business efforts just as he supports theirs.
Onyeabor also issued a stern warning to those who only reach out in times of need, vowing to block anyone who asks for money or help after long periods of silence.
He wrote: “Dear Friends, This post is for you. I’ve made some adjustments in my life which I think you should know. I am very old-fashioned when it comes to friendships which means that when I’m your friend, I’m very loyal but most of you prefer the new definition of friendship which is transactional. Henceforth, If I call you twice and you don’t return the call or even text me after 24 hours, I will simply delete your number. No be only you sabi Dey busy. Everyone is busy.
“If you don’t support my music, business, or anything that has to do with me while I’ve always been supportive towards yours, I’m stopping from this moment. No be only you Dey smart.
“If you’ve never reached out after a very long time and all of a sudden you contact me asking me for money or any form of assistance, you will be automatically blocked unless I’m in a good mood. It’s a TIT for TAT Season”.
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The singer advises people to be cautious of those who claim to have been “busy” when they’ve tried to reach out, as this can imply they’re not important.
“Now a reminder for every other person reading this, After you’ve tried to reach out to a friend who doesn’t pick your calls or reply your messages and you somehow come across them face to face and they say, “I’ve been busy,” that’s another way to say, “You are not that important.” Avoid that person ASAP.
“It’s even more dangerous when you see them face to face and they introduce you to other people around as if you are best of friends. Using words like, “This is my guy, My Gee, My Person, Onyem.” That’s a high level of fakery…RUN. Now an important reminder to my so-called friends”, he wrote.
He also cautions against using associations with famous people to boost one’s own image, reminding them that their friends might rise to prominence and ignore them in return.
Onyeabor added: “That you know a big Artist doesn’t make you the big Artist. That you know Obi Cubana doesn’t make you Obi Cubana. Since some of you enjoy being identified only with famous people, don’t forget that the person you’re ignoring today might be the next Obi Cubana or big Artist or even bigger. And when the person starts ignoring you like you did, you will make people believe the person is proud without letting them know how it all started. This is actually the story of so many celebrities who tend to ignore some people. By the way, instead of being a follower of big celebrities or famous rich people, why don’t you become the big shots too instead of living in an illusion”.