OPINION: Mohbad Saga: The Lion That lies in wait for young people

Mohbad, 27, was a fast-rising musician, and he was under Naira Marley's record label. At first, things seemed to be working, and he was exposed to the limelight until things took a downward turn. The relationship began to go sideways. He was made in the Marlian community, and they simply tried their best to mar him until his dying day. There were records of him being verbally and physically assaulted.

As young people, our lives are just starting. We have many dreams, and we go about seeking someone to guide us in these things. We think that the world is just as innocent, unknown to us, and that there are many predators on the way, lying in wait to use us and then tear us apart.

They simply notice that you are needy, weak, broke, and desperate; hence, they use you. Sadly, many young people in their 20s find themselves trapped in this black hole. They meet adults who have what they want, who are in places that they want to be, but who make some outrageous demands before rendering a helping hand.

This is usually the case with people who are creatives; folks who know how to write, sing, rap, design, speak, craft a copy, etc.

They simply offer you a platform and a spot to showcase your art, but it comes at a price. They take away your freedom, individuality, and voice just so that they can own you, so you can be their own endless echo and slave, and before you know it, you have spent 15 years of your life slaving for a corporation. 

Now, you discover that time ticks away as you slave after mere mortals like yourself who offer you breadcrumbs while your own uniqueness, individuality, and life's purpose are left unattended to. Though the pay is good and the benefits are not too bad, you are tired and unhappy that you can only go so far but not any farther. You seek to be your own man and have a voice of your own; hence, you decide to get out only to find that you are trapped in a vacuum that you may never be able to free yourself from. You are traumatised and unable to find yourself because shattering the vase will not remove the smell of the original content that was once in it.

Out of naivety and thinking that the world is as innocent as you, you gave it your youth. You invested your life in a cause that would later find faults to replace you when they are done with you or some new younger folk has arrived.

Better be careful what or whom you are giving your life, time, and youth to. If you lose money, you may gain it back. But not your time. Not your youth. Once it is gone, it is gone. Be wise. It is a jungle out there. For some, you will give your heart, but they want your soul too.