Death is indeed inevitable. It strikes when least expected, leaving behind a trail of unbearable pain and agony. As Euripides, the renowned writer, aptly puts it: “No one can confidently say that he will still be living tomorrow”.
In the early hours of Thursday, death came for Rico Swavey, the 2018 Big Brother Nigeria (BBNaija) housemate. The reality TV star died a few days after he was involved in a ghastly car accident.
FROM JOS TO THE WORLD
Swavey, whose real name is Patrick Fakoya, grew up in Jos, Plateau state, where he had his early education and kick-started his career.
In a 2018 interview, the 29-year-old said Jos “was where it all started for me”.
“I am originally from Ogun state. My mum is half Italian and half Calabar, which makes me a mixed race. I grew up in Jos, Plateau state. I spent most of my educational and grinding days in Jos. That’s where it all started for me,” he said.
Swavey did not have everything as a teenager but with determination and hard work, he braced the odds to achieve his dream of being a musician.
In the interview, the reality TV star recounted how he delved into several other activities to support his music career.
“I engaged in marketing activity and that was to support my music at the time,” he said.
Swavey gained fame when he got into BBNaija season three titled ‘Double Wahala’. Although Miracle Igbokwe won the edition, the show was the defining moment in his pursuit of stardom.
According to him, the reality show helped him to discover his creative prowess and prepared him for the future.
“My experience in the house was a very splendid time and I thank God for being one of the housemates that were selected. It was a great time for me, with a lot of ups and downs, and physical and mental stress which had a very good effect on me. I learnt a lot of things about my culture, about myself, particularly the creative part of myself,” he said.
GOING INTO BBNAIJA TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT NIGERIAN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
As a child, Swavey battled autism — a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.
Speaking in the 2018 interview, the musician said he experienced slow growth and could not talk until he was about six years old.
The experience first piqued his interest in promoting awareness about children with autism. Apart from this, the actor revealed his cousin also had the disorder.
Swavey wanted a better life for his cousin and other autistic children in Nigeria.
This, he said, informed his decision to raise awareness about his autistic cousin during his stint on the show.
“My cousin Samuel is autistic and I made it known in every diary session that I’m trying to raise awareness for him. Because of all my family members, he is the only one that is different,” he said.
“I remember as a child, I also had delayed growth. I didn’t start talking until I was like five or six. Samuel has that same thing, which I think is even worse than mine because I was not diagnosed with the psychological effect but for him, he has been diagnosed with that already and we found out very late.
“So, I was just looking for this opportunity to raise awareness for him because I need to help my family. I see BBNaija as a platform to do that.
“I’m trying to work with a lot of organisations out there who would help Samuel and other autistic kids in Nigeria because like I said, the kids are the leaders of tomorrow. They are our future so we need to invest in them.”
MAN OF MANY HATS, LOVED BY ALL
Swavey was a man of many hats. He was a musician, songwriter, actor, cook, and music producer. He also studied law at Babcock University. His versatility was something admired by many of his fans.
“I’m a songwriter, music producer, artiste, an actor, and also a cook too. I haven’t gone to school for any of these skills but I found them in me through the course of my life trying to pursue career goals,” he said in the 2018 interview.
“I’ve always wanted to cook right from when I was small. As a kid then, I usually make a pot of soup with sandstones from any tree.
“That fuels the passion, plus the fact that my mum will discipline me and ask me to do dishes in the kitchen. All these little fractions all combined together to make my passion grow. I really want to pursue music because Rico Swavey defines my music side.”
Beyond his versatility, Swavey was largely known for his charming personality. He was also loved by many.
During his stint on BBNaija, his calmness and funny nature endeared him to other housemates and lovers of the show until his eviction.
At a time when controversies seemed to be the easiest ticket to fame, the late singer opted for a simple and quiet life until he breathed his last.
Some of the tributes to the reality star showed how much he was loved by people.
In her tribute, Beverly Naya, the film star, described him as the “sweetest soul” she has worked with.
“Was praying it wouldn’t get to this, RIP Rico. He was literally the sweetest soul, working with him on Tinsel was always such a joy. Always smiling, always joking, always laughing. This is heartbreaking, gone way too soon. Praying for his family and loves ones,” she wrote.
Was praying it wouldn’t get to this, RIP Rico. He was literally the sweetest soul, working with him on Tinsel was always such a joy. Always smiling, always joking, always laughing.
This is heartbreaking, gone way too soon.
Praying for his family and loves ones. ❤️
— Beverly Naya (@BeverlyNaya) October 13, 2022
DIED WITH ONE FEAR
In March, Swavey, in an interview with Hot FM Lagos, said his major fear was going back to his struggling days.
“Yes, I have one fear, which is the fear of going back to where I am coming from,” he said.
When asked about his efforts to ensure such does not happen, he said: “We’re still grinding and staying focused on my hustle, music. I now produce music…”
SUPPORT FOR PETER OBI’S PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION AND TWEETS BEFORE DEATH
Before his death, Swavey was among the celebrities backing Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) for president in 2023.
In a Twitter post celebrating Phyna, the 2022 BBNaija winner, the musician said Nigerians should brace up for Obi’s victory next year.
As phyna win this night na so Peter obi go win next year election.
The unity of the people can break any system.
Nothing is impossible.
— Rico Swavey 🇳🇬🇺🇸 (@iamricoswavey) October 2, 2022
In another of his tweets before his death, the actor hailed Davido and Chioma for coming back together.
“Omo! Davido and Chioma getting married next year is news that gives me joy Assurance is insured!! Congratulations to both of them,” he wrote.
Omo! Davido and chioma getting married next year is a news that gives me joy💞
Assurance is insured !!
Congratulations to both of them 👏— Rico Swavey 🇳🇬🇺🇸 (@iamricoswavey) October 8, 2022
No doubt, Swavey died a hero. For many of his fans, he would be remembered for his loving personality and impact on the lives of those around him.
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