In a candid revelation, Nigerian musician Joseph Akinfenwa Donus, professionally known as Joeboy, admitted to being unprepared for the overwhelming nature of his sudden fame.
Joeboy expressed astonishment at the swift international success of his debut hit song, ‘Baby’, which unexpectedly propelled him into the limelight within a mere three months of its release. He confessed to being taken aback by the speed at which he gained recognition, noting that he had not anticipated people identifying him so quickly.
During an episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, Joeboy disclosed the challenges he faced in acclimating to his newfound celebrity status, recounting how he was compelled to relocate from his original neighborhood in order to accommodate the demands of his burgeoning fame.
“I wasn’t ready when ‘Baby’ blew up. I had to adapt to get used to fame. It was so sudden. I dropped the song [‘Baby’] in March [2019], and by June I was already doing shows in countries I thought they donβt listen to Nigerian music. Countries like Tanzania, and Uganda. In three months!” he remarked.
The artist’s unfiltered narrative sheds light on the intense pressures and adjustments that accompany the meteoric rise of a music sensation, signifying the unanticipated challenges that accompany unanticipated success.
