Fast-rising Nigerian music sensation, Charles Chibuezechukwu, widely known by his stage name Crayon, has opened up about a painful chapter of his life that saw the end of his budding football career and plunged him into a period of depression.
In a candid interview with Cool FM, the talented singer shared his journey from his early football aspirations to his rise in the music industry. He shed light on an experience that left a significant impact on his mental health and personal growth.
Recounting the events that led to his challenging phase, Crayon disclosed that he faced a critical setback in 2015. At a time when his peers were pursuing higher education, he found himself unable to secure admission into a university. This situation left him feeling disconnected and idle in his neighborhood.
While he once had high hopes of becoming a professional footballer and was even recognized as ‘Coutinho’ in his community, his football dreams were thwarted. He pointed out a troubling aspect of Nigeria’s football landscape – corruption.
Crayon then delved into a heart-wrenching incident that left him heartbroken and disillusioned. After being selected to join a national youth squad, he was abruptly removed from the team. He revealed that he fell victim to the manipulation of influential officials within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who prioritized personal connections and financial gain over genuine talent.
Expressing his disappointment, he said, “During a screening at the Surulere National Stadium, NFF officials deceived me and replaced me with another individual who had money and connections. That incident left me deeply disappointed and depressed.“