Being born into a prominent religious family, with a frontline media ministry, I have known spotlight – stage, media, music and similar activities – for practically all my life (I recently finished 15). I entered competitive singing at age nine, and happened to secure immediate success, winning several crowns.

At 13, I was already going through the rigours of preparing for performances (music and modelling) at “the entertainment capital of the world” – Hollywood. The actual Hollywood experience, as previously reported in both local and international media, was an absolutely phenomenal one for me. What happened there “opened a door” to the famed Sony Recording Studios in the US, where I had the memorable honour of completing my first CD, which has done quite well overall.

My work at Sony, entailed using the same studios shared by some of the world’s most famous music icons such as Beyonce, Jessica Simpson, John Legend and Gospel artiste Mary Mary.
By God’s grace, to date, I (along with my sister Sherrose and other siblings) have shared the stage with many of the world’s leading Gospel artistes, in high-profile events locally and abroad. The historic event of my grand CD launch and concert at “the world’s most famous arena”, Madison Square Garden, was another incredible experience. More recently, my sister Sherrose and I were privileged to record our “Most High” CD at the Avatar Studios, sharing the facilities which have been used by stars such as Michael Jackson, Dianna Ross, Celine Dion, CeCe Winans and Nicole Moulin.

It has also been my privilege to travel to several countries and interact with many dignitaries and cultures. These expeditions – and more – have exposed me to a considerable measure of real-life challenges, faced by young people. The degree of “celebrity life” to which I have been exposed, has helped me empathise and sympathise with the plight of others. The pressures to measure up, in terms of physical appearance, social expectation, public image, peer pressure, self-esteem and status preservation can be overwhelming, if skillful management is absent.

EMPATHY AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Take a look at the sad scenario involving a series of top stars in showbiz, and it’s indeed pathetic. The international mainstream media call it the “celebrity meltdown”. The list of “casualties” includes Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Anna Nicole Smith, Heath Ledger and so many others on the rehab – or more sadly, death list. Commentators, bloggers, unmerciful gossip websites and tabloids have been more cruel than kind, but I have chosen to empathise.

I say thank God I have a sound spiritual foundation as an integral part of my support systems, which so effectively protects me. Most of these young stars unfortunately do not have this or other character-based insulators, so it’s much easier for them to succumb to the immense pressures, a big part of which only celebrities can understand.
My empathy, however, does not mean that the aspect of personal responsibility for character-based behaviours are removed from the shoulders of these celebs. We also cannot ignore the fact that some of them are the creators of their own predicament. One example is the thin-fat, bikini figure struggle, which most stars eagerly promote until the bulge calories catch up with them.

“Top Model” host Tyra Banks, clad in revealing swimsuit, fell victim to the paparazzi on an Australian beach in December, 2006, after the model icon had packed on a colossal 40lbs, at lightening speed. Tyra’s rage and “expletive” response is now familiar history.

A series of other celebs have felt the tabloids body barbs pains. Among them are Hilary Duff, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Drew Barrymore – and it won’t be easy to forget the cruel focus on Britney’s “bulging belly, butts, boobs, hips and waist” at her MTV “comeback” appearance.

If we’ll all believe and live by the revelation that we are created in the IMAGE and likeness of Almighty God, we’ll shed tons of the needless weight we carry – emotionally, psychologically, and yes, physically.