From grace to grass: Olajumoke Onibread and reality of overnight success
Jumoke Onibread, as she became fondly known, was just 27 years old in 2016 when fate smiled on her in the unlikeliest of ways. Captured on camera while hawking bread on the bustling streets of Lagos, her striking image went viral, catapulting her into the spotlight. In what seemed like a fairy tale, she landed modeling contracts, graced numerous media platforms, and even earned a feature on CNN.
But like a shooting star, her meteoric rise was as brief as it was dazzling. Eight years have passed since her unexpected fame, and now, at 35, Olajumoke has resurfaced—this time with a story that stirs deep emotions. Her journey has taken a sobering turn, marked by immense challenges that dimmed the glow of her success and ultimately led to the fading of her fame.
What went wrong? What happened to her once-promising modeling career? Has her beauty faded, or have those media opportunities simply vanished? These are the questions that come to mind when we think about Olajumoke’s story. Stay with me as we unravel the twists and turns of her journey to uncover the full picture.
Olajumoke and the Rapper, the striking image that quickly went viral. Photo credit: CNN
Olajumoke’s Rise from Grass to Grace
Olajumoke Orisaguna, born in 1989 in Ire, Osun State, Nigeria, began her life as a bread seller in Lagos to provide for her family. Her life changed dramatically in February 2016 while hawking “Agege bread.” She accidentally walked into a photoshoot featuring British rapper Tinie Tempah, captured by photographer TY Bello with a tray of bread balanced on her head. That image of her went viral, and the chance encounter made her famous and an internet sensation.
It also launched her modelling career and made her a symbol of hope for many Nigerians. The overnight fame opened up numerous features in newspapers and magazines across Nigeria and beyond, including international media as she was interviewed on CNN. She graced numerous magazine covers and secured lucrative endorsement deals with brands such as PayPorte and Shirley’s Bread. Her face became iconic on billboards across Nigeria and even in the UK. She also received scholarships, endorsement deals, and a better life for her family, symbolizing her rapid ascent to fame.
Public Reception of her in 2016
Reports indicated that this narrative of sudden success sparked widespread admiration. Nigerians and international audiences celebrated her as a symbol of hope and inspiration. Olajumoke became one of the most Googled individuals in Nigeria. At the time, her story continued to inspire many, emphasizing that hope and opportunity can emerge from the most unexpected circumstances.
The Fall: Grace to Grass Moment
Olajumoke Orisaguna’s remarkable rise to fame was seen as a fairy tale, but her journey also includes significant struggles that reveal the harsh realities of sudden celebrity. As public interest waned, so did her endorsements.
In an interview with City 105.1 FM at Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, on November 2024, she shared her experiences. She highlighted the impact of her abusive marriage and the lack of support that followed her initial success. Reflecting on her management challenges, she remarked, “There was nobody around, so I was doing it all by myself,” which she claimed contributed to her inability to sustain her career. She also emphasised how a lack of financial planning and illiteracy affected her long-term stability.
Media Reports: Highlight that Olajumoke Orisaguna’s journey has taken a poignant turn as she returns to a humble lifestyle after her initial rise to fame while living in Mowe, Ogun State, where she faces the realities of life away from the glamour of her past. “I didn’t understand what was happening around me,” she said in the interview.
Olajumoke During a recent Interview at City 105.1FM
Photo credit, City FM page on twitter
Gaps in the System That Left Her Vulnerable
Olajumoke Orisaguna’s life illustrates the pitfalls of sudden fame. Key reasons for her struggles include inadequate mentorship and a lack of long-term strategies for success. She explained that the modelling industry often prioritises youth and physical beauty, which can be fleeting. Olajumoke’s experiences highlight that to succeed as a model, one must possess not only beauty but also resilience, adaptability, and business acumen.
Society and Celebrity Culture: The Quest for Overnight Success Growth
Society often celebrates overnight success, yet it frequently neglects the vital support needed for long-term growth. While individuals like Olajumoke Orisaguna become instant sensations, the reality is that their journeys are often fraught with challenges.
Research has indicated that many who achieve sudden fame face inadequate mentorship and lack the resources to sustain their success. As highlighted by experts, the notion of “overnight success” is misleading; it typically masks years of hard work and perseverance. For instance, Forbes emphasised that “what appears as sudden recognition often results from prolonged effort that finally gains visibility.” Hence, there is a need for sustainable planning, financial education, and professional guidance for individuals who experience sudden fame.
As Olajumoke Makes a Remarkable Comeback
She is actively working to rebuild her life and pursue new opportunities. Recently, she joined City FM as a radio presenter, hosting her talk show, “Kilon Shele,” where she shares her personal experiences and the challenges she faced during her rise to fame and subsequent struggles. She also expressed her desire to return to school for further education.
This comes as she expressed gratitude for the support she received from figures who have been providing food and financial assistance throughout her hardships. “Aunty Azuka Ogujiuba and TY Bello helped me,” she stated. According to her, Mrs Adedoja Allen, the CEO of City FM and founder of the Cardinal Foundation, facilitated Olajumoke’s new role as a broadcaster.
Whether Olajumoke reaches the peak again or not is entirely up to her, but her journey is a reminder of how unpredictable life can be and the value of resilience. Her journey teaches us that while talent and beauty can open doors, the importance of preparation, mentorship, and financial literacy cannot be overstated. Consequently, there is a need to learn how to manage fame.
How to Manage Fame: Lessons from Olajumoke’s Story?
Fame is a double-edged sword; it can bring success and opportunities but also challenges and pressures. Olajumoke’s story offers valuable lessons on how individuals can better manage sudden fame:
To effectively manage fame, here are six guides drawn from Olajumoke Orisaguna’s story
Financial Literacy: Celebrities and individuals must prioritise financial education to manage their wealth effectively. As noted by the National Financial Educators Council, financial literacy initiatives help individuals understand money management, ensuring long-term security and sustainability beyond their initial success.
Mentorship and Management: A reliable mentor can guide new individuals—including celebrities—through the complexities of fame. Learning from those with sustained success provides invaluable insights.
Education and Skill Development: Continuous education and skill-building are essential. People can leverage opportunities like scholarships to acquire new skills, which are vital for career longevity.
Mental Health and Emotional Support: In anything one does, emotional state and support should often be priorities because good psychological health aids good reasoning. The pressures of fame can be overwhelming; thus, seeking therapy or counselling is crucial for coping with public scrutiny.
Sustainable Branding: Developing a brand that extends beyond initial fame is important. Engaging with fans through social media and charity work helps maintain relevance and public interest.
Plan for Life Beyond Fame: Recognizing that fame doesn’t last forever is key. Planning for the future by setting clear personal and professional goals ensures a smooth transition when the spotlight dims.
Attaining Success as a Nation and as Individuals: Paul Onomuakpokpo’s Perspective
According to Paul Onomuakpokpo’s 2016 piece published in Guardian News:
“For us to attain success as a nation or as individuals, conscious efforts must be made toward it. If our nation must develop, and if we must grow in our individual lives, it is through rigorous adherence to the plans we have made that will take us there. We must not rely on accidental interventions of mercurial fate to make our fortunes.”