Veteran Nigerian entertainer, Charly Boy, has revealed how living with gay and transgender people significantly influenced his personal style and artistic expression. Speaking on the With Chude podcast, hosted by Chude Jideonwo, Charly Boy reflected on his early looks and the speculations surrounding his expression.
“I used to have a girly girl look back in the day, I used to wear a lot of rouge, makeup, lipstick and whatever, and that’s where the gay speculations started,” Charly Boy said. This feminine outlook sparked discussions and rumors about his sexuality.
However, Charly Boy clarified that his style was inspired by his friends. During his time in America, most of his friends were transvestites. “I wasn’t one, but I just loved them; I loved how they switched, so I used to study them,” he explained.
This exposure influenced his alter ego, Linda, on the Charly Boy Show. “That was easy for me to do because I had been around bi, gay, and transgender people, so I picked all the nuances from that,” he said.
Charly Boy emphasized that being around the LGBTQ+ community didn’t define him, but rather enhanced his individuality. “I love being myself, I love to stand out, I don’t want to follow trends; I prefer to start my own trends and do my own thing.”
He attributed his confidence to his upbringing, saying, “That’s how I felt right from the day I was born, wanting to go through another way.” Charly Boy’s experiences have shaped his artistic expression and personal style.
“I’ve always seen myself as a trendsetter,” Charly Boy concluded, reiterating the importance of self-expression and individuality in his life and career.
