Here are 25 popular African celebrities who have previously tried their hands at other jobs – whether out of choice, or sheer desperation for survival.
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1. Patoranking – Rat poison seller and bricklayer
A joyous Nnaemeka Patrick told all who cared to listen what he did to survive when he won the 2014 Headies Next Rated award.
2. Lagbaja – Banker
Before the iconic mask and sax, Lagbaja was a man in suit & tie. If only his famed attire was acceptable in the banking sector.
3. P-Square – Paul (Supermarket Attendant) & Peter (Electrical repairer)
According to the duo, they got their hands dirty doing menial jobs before fame came calling. Now, they get their hands dirty with other things.
4. Tiwa Savage – Banker
Tiwa knew a thing or two about balancing accounts and checkbooks when she worked at the Royal Bank of Scotland.
5. Sarkodie – Graphic Designer
The thriving Ghanaian rapper need not look too far for artwork for his projects as he has reportedly got lots of experience in that field.
6. Yvonne Nelson – Model
If at any point, acting gets boring for Yvonne, she can always go back to her first love. Why not? – She’s still got it.
7. Banky W – Salesman at fast foods outlets, clothing stores and knife delivery
With a smooth and suave demeanor, bet Mr Capable must have been one of the finest salesmen in his days.
8. Don Jazzy – Security Guard
From a security guard to mentoring some of the most promising acts in Nigeria, Don Jazzy can reflect to those days and smile.
9. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde – Model
Omotola reportedly honed her skills as a hot model before the bright lights of cameras and scripted speech became too appealing. She still looks the part!
10. John Dumelo – Civil Engineer
The popular Ghanaian actor reportedly studied studied civil engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University Of Science & Technology and pursued a career in that line before taking up acting.
11. Basketmouth – Rapper
Bright Okpocha could have been a competitor to the likes of M.I, Olamide and others today if he hadn’t chickened out to pursue a career in comedy instead.
12. Joseph Benjamin – Security Guard, Bus Conductor, Shoe Seller
It is quite hard to believe Joseph’s gentlemanly appearance was reportedly put through grueling tests such as these.
13. D’banj – Security Guard
Before D’banj gained massive acceptance and popularity, he reportedly used to secure corporate arenas in the UK.
14. Kunle Afolayan – Banker
Before striking success with Figurine, October 1st and The CEO, the ace movie director and producer reportedly tried his hands out in the banking industry.
15. Juliet Ibrahim – Model/Usher
Curvaceous Juliet was once upon a time a model. She recently revealed this when she hosted the 2015 CAF awards where she once ushered at as a model.
16. Bovi – News Reporter
During his NYSC days at the Nigeria Television Authority in Kogi State, Bovi would probably have tried so hard to stick to the script as a news reporter without making the crew explode in laughter.
17. Chris Attoh – Radio Personality
The Ghanaian actor honed his skills as a radio personality on Ghana’s Vibe FM before graduating to event hosting and now, the screens.
18. TY Bello – Singer
TY Bello earlier found fame as a singer, as a member of singing group KUSH.
19. Majid Michael – Model
All of Majid’s onscreen charm and raunchiness apparently came from his days of giving his best impressions as a sought-after model.
20. Van Vicker – Professional Barber
Van apparently hasn’t forgotten his humble beginnings as he has reportedly diversified his business ventures to include high-end barbershops in Ghana. If only ladies cut their hair as often.
21. Omawumi – Lawyer
Omawumi briefly worked as a law practitioner with her family’s law firm, O.S Megbele & Associates in Rivers State. She knows the legal implications of walking off an interview. None.
22. Timaya – Plantain seller
The self-proclaimed ‘Egberipapa of Bayelsa’ let the world know of his plantain-selling exploits before fame came calling.
23. John Okafor (Mr Ibu) – Butcher and Hair Stylist
Okafor sure wasn’t joking when he said in an interview he once served as a butcher and hawked firewood to make ends meet.
24. Joselyn Dumas -Paralegal services
The delectable Ghanaian actress reportedly cut her teeth in the legal system as an employee for lawyers.
25. Flavour – Local Drummer
Flavour once worked as a local drummer in Enugu, starting from his church to a local bar.