Few Nigerian entertainers have built a public persona as bold and polarising as Charles “CharlyBoy” Oputa. Now, the veteran performer is taking his story to a global stage as digital billboards in the iconic New York Times Square announce the arrival of his forthcoming memoir, 999.
The striking display at one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks marks another milestone in the lead-up to the book’s official presentation, scheduled for July 31 at the Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The memoir, which carries a foreword by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, promises an unfiltered account of CharlyBoy’s remarkable life—one defined by controversy, reinvention and a refusal to conform.
The entertainer shared videos and photographs of the Times Square showcase on his social media platforms, giving fans across Nigeria and beyond a glimpse of the international promotion of a book that has already generated considerable anticipation.
Located at the bustling intersection of Broadway, Seventh Avenue and 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, Times Square is one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations, attracting an estimated 50 million visitors each year. Its towering digital billboards, spread across more than 300,000 square feet of LED display space, are regarded among the most prestigious advertising platforms globally.
In recent weeks, CharlyBoy—fondly known as the “Areafada”—has kept readers intrigued by releasing excerpts from 999 across his social media pages, offering glimpses into what he describes as a deeply personal and uncompromising narrative.
According to him, he dared to be different when it wasn’t safe, refused to be defined by his shadow and created his own ‘thunder’ which is unforgettable, loud, defiant.
Now in his seventies, the entertainer says the memoir chronicles a life filled with triumphs, mistakes and personal battles. He reflects on rebelling against and being disowned by his parents, marrying four times before the age of 36, confronting danger and exploring spiritual experiences that shaped his journey.
“This book is not a biography. It’s a battleground. The Ugly, the Bad and the very Good. It’s a collection of live experiences that would make even the boldest screenwriters cringe.
“For over 40 years, I used the CharlyBoy brand to challenge Nigeria’s hypocrisy.To provoke, awaken, and give voice to the silenced. Was I controversial? Yes. Rebellious? Certainly. But also relentlessly real.,” he posted.
Born on June 19, 1950, Charles Oputa is the son of the late former Supreme Court Justice Chukwudifu Oputa. Over the decades, he has established himself as a singer-songwriter, television presenter, actor and producer whose unconventional lifestyle and outspoken political views have made him one of Nigeria’s most recognisable public figures.
His career has included hosting the popular The Charly Boy Show, serving as a judge on Nigeria Idol in 2011, and leading the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) as its president.
Away from the spotlight, CharlyBoy has been married to African-American singer and former fashion designer Diane for more than four decades. Together with children from previous relationships, they have built a family that has remained a constant through his often turbulent but extraordinary journey.
With 999 set for its public unveiling in Lagos after making an appearance on the bright screens of Times Square, CharlyBoy appears determined to ensure that the next chapter of his story attracts as much attention as the colourful life that inspired it.
