I didn’t know who Goldie was until I saw the video for “Spin Me” some years ago. One minute, it seemed, I was appreciating the vibrant burst of colours flashing in the video, never mind that it was beginning to cloy, the next, I was becoming skeptical, nearly faithless. Will this relatively new artiste release another single after this? Will she be known for many albums and not just for the complacent clinging to a string of overheated hits? The questions hung, left unanswered, my skepticism deepening still.
Musically, I’m not much of a critic, but, as time went on, Goldie stimulated my interest. What many don’t know is that underneath the — seemingly choking air of artificiality she exuded in her videos, the fairly flat vocals and affinity for all things extravagant — therein lies, a creative soul. Goldie carved an enviable niche, in a predominately male industry, redefining pop music and blazed the trail. Amidst criticisms from some quarters, she persisted, and while people kept on misconstruing her style to be outlandish, she stayed strong.
I am privileged to be affiliated with the organizers of the annual Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA), and at the 2012 edition, I witnessed Goldie’s stage craft: it was second to none. The Nigerian music industry, indeed, has lost a rare gem. Africa, as a continent, has lost a potentially fine export.
The only thing predictable about death is it’s unpredictability. Goldie, yesterday, you left us, on a day so significantly evocative of love and togetherness — a painful contrast. May God give your family and friends the fortitude to bear this.
Goldie, continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord, till we meet again. Farewell.
D muzik industry has really lost a talented act.it was just like yesterday when I saw performed on the stage @NMVA and also went home with an Award!so sad,Adieu D Golden one