The Nollywood actor Femi Brainard has shared his story of moving to the US and taking up cab driving as a means of supporting his family. The…
The actor stated that he would rather be a well-known celebrity in Nigeria amid the country’s deteriorating economic circumstances than a nobody overseas.
In a chat with legendary comedian Teju Oyelakin, well known by his stage name Teju Babyface, Brainard shared his experience and made this revelation on his podcast.
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“I became a cab driver in America just to put food on the table,” the actor stated. People frequently look at me in shock whenever they see me, especially Nigerian travelers, and wonder if I’m really the well-known celebrity they recognize.
“America does not recognize your stardom, nor does it respect your celebrity.”
During his discussion of the hardships of living overseas, Brainard admitted that there were moments when he felt sorry for his wife because of their shared suffering.
He added that the thought of moving overseas did not sit well with his spouse.
He claimed it was annoying to deal with the embarrassment of seeing Nigerians, who would be surprised at his precarious circumstances.
Brainard explained that he was so broke that he went to the parking lot and started crying, adding that the bills were high and he had other things to think about, such rent.
He said, “At times it would be so hard, I no go get money for hand. That day I went to the parking lot of our apartment, I cried, na me bring this woman here. Yankee no know star o… I had to feed my family.
“I know these 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 at 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.”