As he approaches his 76th birthday and the twilight of a remarkable career, Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa, widely known as Charly Boy or Area Fada, has sat down with culture journalists to discuss his forthcoming book. In July 2026, the iconic showbiz figure will unveil his latest work titled 999. The world will watch as he closes one chapter and opens another.
A Life of Advocacy and Rebellion
From his early years, Area Fada has been a vocal advocate for justice and good governance in Nigeria. This passion is the core of his new book, released nine years after his first memoir, My Private Part. Unlike its predecessor, 999 is not just a memoir; it is an unflinching exploration of a life lived louder than the society that tried to silence him. Written with street-poetry honesty, the book traces his journey from a boy who shared toys with chauffeurs’ children, to a teenager who read forbidden books without losing his mind, to a TV shock-jock who weaponised laughter, and finally to an activist who continues to fight for the voiceless.
Raw and Revolutionary Content
Through prostate battles, boardroom wars, father-son silences, and national protests, 999 asks a profound question: what truly finishes us—failure, or the fear of finishing? Known for his perfectionist approach, Charly Boy has meticulously assembled a breathtaking compilation of his most defining experiences. “From the look of the book to the contents and layout, you can tell I took my time,” he confesses. “This one is way different from my first book. People will be amazed at the challenges I faced and how I survived them.”
The essence of the book, according to him, is relatability. “A little bit of every one of us is in this book. The experiences I went through are not alien to anybody.”
Foreword by Notable Figures
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo wrote the foreword, alongside Bishop Hassan Kukah and Dele Famoroti. When asked about the title 999, Charly Boy explained, “Some people asked if it was a code or if I meant 666. But 999 signifies the beginning of a new era. In the past, when I fought, I held a weapon and drew blood. Now, I have calmed down, and old things shall pass away.”
He elaborated: “Google defines ‘999’ as an angelic number and a dawn of new beginnings. It’s a red alert that you’re about to read the unapologetic truth about the self-styled President of all Frustrated Nigerians. This book is not a biography; it’s a battleground. It contains the ugly, the bad, and the very good—a collection of live experiences that would make even the boldest screenwriters cringe.”
Personal Revelations and Lessons
Charly Boy recalls his past misdemeanours, rascality, and stubbornness while growing up and studying in America. He candidly shares why he felt compelled to write the book: “I wanted people to learn from what I have been through. It doesn’t matter whether you come from a privileged home like I did—I am an ‘Aje’ butter through and through, yet I ran into all manner of troubles. In the United States, I got involved in drugs, credit card scams, and more. Everything is in 999. I want people to take positives from my experiences and apply them.”
He adds, “America opened my eyes to racism. I have come a long way, engaging in shoplifting, marrying multiple women, and substance abuse. But I discovered early the dangers of drugs. All these experiences are captured in the book. If you are 24, you cannot think like a 70-year-old. You think and behave like a 24-year-old. Those were the wildlife of my youth.”
Activism and Social Engineering
While he discusses his activism, Charly Boy prefers to be called a social engineer rather than an activist. “Some people have messed up activism,” he says. The book also reflects his journey as president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN). Despite his rebellious past, he strongly believes in hard work, consistency, tenacity, and audacity. “I hate being told what to do, even as a young man in my 20s,” he insists.
Health Battles and Men's Wellness
The septuagenarian, who recently survived a prostate operation, chronicles his journey through that trying period and offers crucial advice to men. From national fame to private pain, including his battle with prostate disease and erectile dysfunction, nothing in 999 is off-limits. “In sharing my struggle, I hope to permit others to heal,” he says. Now, he is channelling his energy into a mission: “Men’s health. Men’s truth. Men’s wellness. It’s time we stopped pretending and start living fully. 999 is not just a memoir; it’s a challenge, a confession, and a revolution.”
Gratitude and Legacy
One person he will never forget is Tina Onwudiwe, popularly known as African Oyinbo, who brought him from the village to Lagos. “She paid for my flight to Lagos and two years’ house rent at Gbagada,” he recalls. “The book stands out not just because I am telling my story, but because of the way I put things together.”
He laments the decline in reading culture but has made 999 an easy read to keep readers engaged. Due to piracy concerns, the e-copy is not yet available. Charly Boy, born June 19, 1950, is the son of former Supreme Court Justice Chukwudifu Oputa. He hosted the popular The Charly Boy Show, was a judge on Nigeria Idol in 2011, and served as PMAN president. He has been married to Diane Oputa for over 40 years and has children from past relationships.
