By Olumide Iyanda
Monica Omorodion Swaida, a former back up singer for Majek Fashek has launched a campaign to help rehabilitate the troubled music legend.
Based in Massachusetts, U.SA., Monica has worked in entertainment, beauty and insurance.
Majek’s wife, Rita, and their children live close by her.
“I am doing this for them. They treated me like a kid sister when I needed them,” she said in a chat with qed.ng.
Giving the number of failed attempts to restore Majek to sanity in the past, Monica is not unaware of the enormity of the challenges ahead, but she is determined to get all the help available.
“Our fight right now is to raise money so that we can send him to a home that can help him. Apart from his alcoholism, he has spiritual and mental issues to go with it,” she said
Nothing is too much for the man she said “was big brother to me”.
As a teenager, Monica went on tour with Majek Fashek in Africa and beyond.
Below is a message she posted on a fundraising page created for Majek.
“I played on stage with Majek last in NYC. Majek was compared to the late Icon Bob Marley. He was one of the greatest singers and guitarists in Nigeria. He came to America and even went as far as singing on David Letterman’s show.
“Majek put Nigeria on the map when it comes to music. Today, Majek is seen in the streets of Lagos looking for petty change to buy food and drinks. Majek looks sickly and frail. He is looking haggard!
“How can a national hero be left on the street like that? We must do something to take care of this man. No matter the problems Majek has, whether drugs related, spiritual, or mental related problems, it doesn’t matter. Everyone can be saved! Let’s come together and help him.
“The family of Majek just recently got their legal papers in America and can now travel. But they need your support. They can’t do this alone. They have not been in Nigeria for over 20 years. But they want to help their dad now. I will personally go with the wife Rita Majek and the first Son Randy Majek to Nigeria to join others fighting for this cause to help Majek. Please fans all over the world; let us help save this legend while he is still alive. God bless those reading this. Amen!”
