Grass to grace series (18): From pure water factory worker to award-winning singer, inspiring journey of Joeboy
In the city of Lagos, Joseph Akinwale Akinfenwa, popularly known as Joeboy, struggled to make ends meet while growing up.
His journey from grass to grace was marked by hardships and challenges that tested his resolve and determination. Despite facing ridicule and humiliation from his classmates for being unable to pay his school fees, Joeboy remained steadfast in his pursuit of a better future.
“Some Challenges on the way, maybe you fail some exams, maybe you owe school fees.
“I remember one incident, I was in JS3 because they used to come to class to name people that owe school fees.
“I need to put that on camera for anybody that owns a school who is watching this, do not embarrass the child because he is owing school fees.”
The echoes of his classmates’ taunts followed him like a shadow, but Joeboy refused to be defined by his circumstances. He persevered through the trials and tribulations, knowing that brighter days lay ahead if only he could stay true to his dreams.
“So it was really embarrassing for me at that point because I think it affected my esteem too at that point…
“They might not have meant it but e pain me.”
Joeboy, the pure water factory worker
As he navigated the challenges of his school years, Joeboy found himself facing yet another hurdle during his university days. The sting of rejection from job hunting during a strike left him questioning his future. Working briefly at a sachet water factory, he felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down on him.
Read more story on grass to grace series:
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- Grass to grace series (10): From hawking sausage rolls to a top comedian, Sirbalo’s inspiring story
- Grass to grace series (15): From being doubted to top comedian, Nasboi’s journey to greatness
- Grass to grace series (17): From having no TV to soccer star, Samuel Chukwueze’s inspiring journey
“I studied Human Resources and Personnel Management.
“At one 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?’.”
But amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. Despite the skeptics and naysayers, Joeboy’s talent and determination caught the eye of Mr Eazi, who took a chance on him. The once struggling student and job seeker had now found his calling in music, a path he never imagined would lead him to success.
“Not even my parents expected that I would become a musician.
“I told myself, ‘You really have to make sure you make it [in the music industry].’”
Today, Joeboy stands tall as a shining example of resilience and perseverance. His rise from humble beginnings to becoming a renowned Nigerian singer is a testament to the power of dreams and hard work.
As he ventures into a new chapter with his own record label, Young Legend, Joeboy carries with him the lessons learned from his grass to grace journey, inspiring others to never give up on their aspirations.
