Popular Nigerian comedian, Oghenekowhoyan Onaibe Desmond, widely known as Destalker, has made a surprising confession about his life before finding fame in the comedy industry.
From Cyber Café to Comedy Stage
During a recent appearance on the In-House Gist podcast, Destalker shared a little-known chapter from his past. He revealed that before his comedic breakthrough, he once ventured into the world of internet fraud, commonly known as 'yahoo yahoo' in Nigeria.
The comedian explained that this phase of his life occurred before he left Enugu, where he and a friend would pay N250 for late-night browsing sessions at local cyber cafés. Interestingly, the friend who introduced him to this illicit activity has since become a pastor.
A Kind Heart in a World of Scams
Destalker emphasized that his foray into cybercrime was short-lived due to his inherent nature. "I couldn't do it. I am too kindhearted," he stated, reflecting on his inability to defraud people.
While his friend actively searched for potential victims to scam online, Destalker would spend his time differently. He would often be found chatting with old schoolmates and family on Facebook, eventually falling asleep during these late-night sessions instead of pursuing fraudulent activities.
He firmly believes that this path was not meant for him, stating, "It was not my destiny. I can't defraud a person."
Overcoming Industry Obstacles
Destalker also addressed challenges he faced within the comedy industry itself. He claimed that some established comedians once attempted to block his opportunities and limit his growth.
Undeterred by these setbacks, the comedian remained determined. He told his detractors that he would achieve success without relying on their platforms—a promise he has since fulfilled.
Looking back at this period of resistance, Destalker noted that some of the shows and comedians who tried to hinder his progress are no longer relevant in the industry today.
His journey from the cyber cafés of Enugu to becoming a successful comedian stands as a testament to his perseverance and commitment to his craft, proving that success can be achieved through legitimate means despite early struggles and industry opposition.
