I was homeless when I came to Lagos, but I never stopped hustling – Okey Bakassi

Nigerian comedian and actor Okey Bakassi has indicated that his journey from homelessness to stardom is a narrative of determination and resourcefulness.

During a heartfelt discussion on the Honest Brunch podcast hosted by skit-maker Nedu Wazobia, Okey Bakassi opened up about his rise to fame and the struggles that shaped him into the icon he is today.

“I came to Lagos with nothing but my dreams and determination,” Okey began painting a vivid picture of his early days in the city.

"I was homeless, sleeping wherever I could, and hustling every day to survive,” he revealed.

Despite the odds, he refused to let his circumstances define his future.

Sharing one of his early strategies for making ends meet, Okey revealed how he creatively navigated his way into the movie industry.

“I would go to costume vendors and plead with them to lend me clothes for film productions. I promised to return them in perfect condition, and I made sure to always deliver on my word. That trust opened doors for me,” he explained.

His breakthrough came when he managed to produce his first film, a milestone he described as life-changing.

“That movie didn’t just give me a paycheck—it gave me confidence. I knew I could make something of myself in this industry,” Okey said with pride.

However, as he started to gain recognition, challenges emerged in unexpected ways. Okey candidly recounted how some colleagues began to distance themselves, causing a dip in his acting opportunities.

“It was tough. People who once believed in me started to hold back. I couldn’t understand why, but instead of dwelling on it, I decided to reinvent myself,” he noted.

Drawing on his university experience performing live skits, Okey pivoted to stand-up comedy.

“Comedy was my saving grace,” he stated. “I started doing solo performances, and it clicked. The audience loved it, and I felt like I’d found my true calling.”

Okey also shared how mingling with like-minded creatives in spaces like Jazzville helped him expand his horizons.

“That environment was electrifying. We were all pushing each other to be better,” he said while crediting the vibrant community for fueling his growth.

Looking back, Okey Bakassi attributes his success to resilience and adaptability.

“You can’t let setbacks define you. Find another path. Reinvent yourself. That’s what life and this industry are all about,” he emphasised.

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