Following the passing of Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo, Afrobeats singer Kingsley Okonkwo, popularly known as Kcee, has urged the public to show gratitude to people while they are still living.
New Telegraph had earlier reported that Ekubo battled liver cancer and passed away on Monday, May 11, at the age of 40.
Mourning the actor on the Instagram page, Kcee said a lot of people were quick to give appreciation at funerals but slow to offer assistance in advance.
He questioned why people tend to save their compliments for after someone has passed away and why they don’t show gratitude to those who are struggling or advancing in their jobs.
He encouraged individuals to check on their mental health, support their businesses, and express their pride to friends, family, and coworkers. According to Kcee, encouraging words have a greater impact when they are heard and felt by the recipients.
Additionally, Kcee urged people to act compassionately, make peace, and show grace before it’s too late, emphasising that the best way to honour someone is to support their life while they are still living.
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The singer wrote: “We are all guilty. We’re too good at eulogies… and too late with love. A lot of people have beautiful things to say about you. But they save it for your funeral.
“They wait until you’re gone to post the “RIP,” the long thread, the “he was like a brother to me.”
“Why do we do that? Why do we keep our appreciation locked up until there’s no one left to hear it? Why do we clap for people at their graves, but stay silent when they’re struggling, building, doubting themselves right in front of us?
“Your friend, your family, your neighbour, your colleague, your brother, your sister, your husband, your wife — they’re here now. They can hear you. They can feel it. They can be strengthened by it.
“Can we start telling people, ‘I’m proud of you, ‘ while they’re still smiling back? Can we start supporting their business, sharing their work, and checking on their mental health while they’re alive? Can we choose real love, real presence, real compassion… before it’s too late?
“Yes, we’re all going to leave this earth someday. That’s the one appointment none of us can cancel. But until that day comes, let’s not waste the time we have.
“Let’s be human to each other. Let’s say the nice things now. Let’s show up now. Let’s make peace, give grace, and love deeply — while there’s still time.
“Because the best ‘RIP’ is a life well-loved before it ends. If this speaks to you, call someone today. Text them. Visit them, tell them what you’ve been holding back. Speak life. Because one day, all we’ll have left are memories. Don’t wait for the funeral. Goodbye, Alex, sleep well.”
