Nairobi News

Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Joeboy has in a recent revelation taken his fans down memory lane as he reflected upon his journey through his past struggles.

The 26-year-old artiste, born Joseph Akinwale, bares his soul, recounting the trials of unemployment and the relentless pursuit of a better life before finding fame in the music industry.

Prior to his musical breakthrough, Joeboy was enrolled in a course in Human Resources and Personal Management at university.

However, a prolonged strike disrupted his academic path, thrusting him into a desperate job hunt in the bustling streets of Lagos. Despite his efforts, job opportunities remained elusive, leaving him disillusioned and disheartened.

“I have no choice but to go hard or go home because I remember that there was a time when I studied Human Resources and Personal Management. When I was in the university, there was a strike for like three months. So I decided to get a job and I was searching for a job for like three months in the whole of Lagos. I did not get one single job,” shared Joeboy.

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Recalling his ordeal, Joeboy reminisced about the countless rejections and the soul-crushing experience of working long hours as a marketer in a pure water factory. These hardships forced him to confront the harsh reality of his future prospects, igniting a fierce determination to forge a different path.

“There was even a time I worked in a pure water factory as a marketer. I used to share fliers and products and anything to gather money. At that point I was like, ‘I’m looking so hard for a job and I can’t find any. Is this how I’m going to end up when I finish school?’ So that was also a trigger. I told myself, ‘You really have to make sure you Make It!” said the artiste.

Amidst the uncertainty, a glimmer of hope emerged when Joeboy crossed paths with renowned musician and entrepreneur, Mr Eazi.

The serendipitous encounter marked a turning point in his life, as he was discovered and subsequently signed by the industry heavyweight. However, with this newfound opportunity came immense pressure to deliver and prove his worth.

Reflecting on his journey, Joeboy acknowledges the weight of expectations placed upon him by his mentor and the broader music community. The transition from struggling artist to signed talent brought with it a mix of excitement and trepidation, as he grappled with the magnitude of the opportunity before him.

“There are more people involved and people are investing their time, energy and money. So it wasn’t a joke anymore or something I did for fun at that time so it was scary, but you go hard or go home,” he said.