Some Nollywood actors who migrated from Nigeria in search of a better life as a result of the japa syndrome have recounted how they lost fortune and fame, Daniel Otera reports.
“America does not recognise your stardom, nor does it respect your celebrity,” said actor Femi Brainard while speaking as a guest on a podcast hosted by comedian Teju Babyface.
A seasoned Nollywood actor, Brainard shared insights into his life post-departure from the Nigerian movie industry as he relocated abroad with his family.
He disclosed how he became a cab driver in America to support his family, even though he was a superstar back in Nigeria.
The actor, who was known for his roles in movies such as Out of Bounds, Keeping Faith, and The Figurine, said he faced a lot of challenges and humiliations in his new environment.
“At times it would be so hard, I no go get money for hand. I know this couple from the airport. The husband was like, ‘Ask him if he is Femi Brainard and I said yes. The husband didn’t know when he reached me and asked ‘bros what are you doing here.
“As difficult as Nigeria seems to be, I would rather be a prince and a celebrity in a system that is not working than come to this place and be a nobody. I am still bothered about rent,” Brainard recounted.
Brainard is not the only Nigerian actor who has ventured into the taxi-driving business to survive abroad. In August 2023, another Nollywood actor, Joseph Benjamin, shared his experience of becoming a cab driver in America.
Benjamin, who was known for his roles in movies such as Tango With Me, Mr and Mrs, and Project Fame, said he relocated to America in 2016 on a promise that he had some gigs waiting for him.
However, the promise turned out to be false and he had to resort to driving cabs to pay his bills.
“I got to America on a promise that I had some gigs waiting for me. So I thought I was going to have a soft landing there. I packed up everything from Nigeria, bought a one-way ticket, and came to America.
“I was put in a well-furnished house and all of that. Then two days later, the person whom I was supposed to book a deal with said to me, ‘Those our financiers have pulled out. They have an issue.’
The stories of Brainard and Benjamin shed light on the harsh truths often overshadowed by the allure of migration. Despite aspirations for a better life, some Nigerians abroad encounter obstacles and setbacks that challenge their resolve.
According to a report published in 2021 by the Africa Polling Institute, seven out of 10 Nigerians are willing to leave their country if given the opportunity. The report cited economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, poor governance, and corruption as the main reasons for the desire to migrate also known as japa syndrome.
“Japa” syndrome represents the phenomenon of young Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad.
Japa (/jɑːkpə/) is a Nigerian slang term that has gained widespread usage among Nigerian youths and in popular culture. The term is used to describe the act of escaping, fleeing, or disappearing quickly from a situation, often in a hasty and urgent manner, according to Wikipedia.
However, the report also warned that migration is not a panacea for the problems facing Nigerians, but rather a coping mechanism that may have negative consequences for the migrants and the country. The report urged the government and other stakeholders to address the root causes of migration and create an enabling environment for Nigerians to thrive and prosper at home.
The Explainer reported how the Belgian government cautioned Nigerians against migrating to the country or Europe without securing a decent job. The warning comes after a surge in Nigerian asylum seekers in Belgium from 50 to 380 in 2023, post Covid19 pandemic.
Freddy Roosemont, the Director General of the Office of Foreigners stated this at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, February 2.
Expressing concerns about the growing number of irregular migrants ending up on the streets, Roosemont said it had become necessary to dispel the illusion of a better life in Europe.
He cautioned against the dream of “eldorado”, stressing the importance of informing potential migrants about the harsh realities in Europe.