6 Nigerian singers doing odd jobs before they were famous

The Nigerian celebrities we see nowadays are usually different from who they were before. Money will always make a change in your life, whether you like it or not; whether it is a person’s wardrobe or lifestyle. Before the glitz and glamour, some of our Nigerian celebrities were doing some shocking or very common jobs that you would never have seen them doing. From hawking to house helps and even a butcher, here are six of the most touching grass to grace stories of your favourite Nigerian musicians.

See full list below:

1. Don Jazzy – Drummer, Security Guard

Doro boss, Don Jazzy, the ultimate Nigerian producer and Mavin Records founder said he was once a security guard at fast food restaurant McDonalds. He also said he used to play local drums at a church in London.

2. Patoranking – Rat Poison Seller, Bricklayer

Nigeria’s Dancehall king, Patoranking, said he used to sell rat poison in Lagos and was also a brick layer briefly. Those days are clearly behind him as he has hit singles and an awesome debut album under his belt now. As well as being a recipient of the Headies Next Rated award in 2014 revealed he was a former bricklayer and rat poison seller.

3. Banky W was a salesboy

Banky W once said in an interview, “I once worked in fast foods outlets, clothing stores and as a knife salesman, selling knives from door to door. That way, I gathered money to pay for studio recording time. I was recording with a close friend at that time.” Now he is EME record label, successful artist and will always be the one who discovered Wizkid.

4. Timaya was a plantain seller

Timaya was a plantain seller in Port-Harocurt. He would work tirelessly just to get enough money to get by and also sang in his church on the side. His song Plantain Boy was an ode to the days he used to hustle in the heat.

5. MI Abaga was an unsuccessful comedian

Well-known rapper, MI Abaga, who is known for his creative rapping skill, tried to be a comedian. He said he attempted to do stand up but when people failed to laugh at his jokes, he decided to use his skill for entertainment and focus it on rapping. This worked out perfectly for him as he is now a successful rapper and co-founder of record label, Chocolate City.

6. Peter and Paul Okoye were attendants and electricians