Celebrity Today, Pauper Tomorrow: Sudden Rise And Fall Of Social Media Celebrities Part 2

This is the concluding part of this length article.

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While she captured attention momentarily, sustaining that momentum seems to have been a challenge, especially without a structured long-term strategy.

For now, it appears Chef Dami has retreated into the background, leaving her moment of fame as a curious chapter in Nigeria’s culinary and social media history.

Exploited and dumped

The woman known as Bunch of Women, who went viral for her emotional outburst during a court session addressing her husband’s infidelity, is Blessing Newton Abahi.

Entertainers showcasing multiple talents
Her story gained massive attention after the video, in which she vividly described finding her husband with multiple women in their matrimonial home, was shared widely online.

The clip was not only a sensation on the YouTube channel Justice Court but also inspired memes and trends across TikTok.

Blessing’s articulate and impassioned speech resonated with many Nigerians, sparking debates about marital fidelity and gender roles in relationships.

Some people empathised with her plight, while others turned her pain into humorous skits and social media content.

The incident drew significant public sympathy, with several individuals reportedly donating funds to help her restart her life amidst the turmoil.

However, after her rise to internet fame, Blessing appears to have reconciled with her husband, a development that surprised and divided public opinion.

In subsequent videos, she credited the court for mediating their reconciliation.

Despite this, some reports suggest that the reconciliation might have been short-lived or staged.

When called on the phone to give a brief insight into her present life, Blessing simply said, “My brother, nothing has changed. I am how I was before now. I only heard on social media that I was trending that period, but after that, I am just the same way I am. There are no changes. My children are still suffering, and the situation in my home has not improved.”

Olajumoke ‘Oniburedi’: From grass to grace to grass

Olajumoke Orisaguna, affectionately dubbed ‘Olajumoke Onibread’, captivated the public’s imagination when her life transformed overnight after being discovered by iconic photographer, TY Bello in 2016.

At the time, Olajumoke was a bread seller in Lagos, striving to support her young family.

Fate intervened when she inadvertently walked into a photoshoot with British rapper Tinie Tempah, and TY Bello. While reviewing the images, the duo spotted Olajumoke’s photogenic potential.

This serendipitous moment catapulted her into instant stardom, with modelling contracts, magazine covers, and endorsements quickly following.

However, Olajumoke’s meteoric rise was not without its pitfalls.

During a recent press conference organised by the Cardinal Foundation, led by Doja Allen of City 105.1 FM, she candidly shared the struggles she faced after stepping out of the limelight.

Reflecting on her journey, she recounted how missteps and mismanagement derailed her burgeoning career, a humbling experience that brought her back to square one.

“I have suffered a lot,” she confessed, emphasising her gratitude to TY Bello and journalist Azuka Ogujiuba, who stood by her during challenging times.

“My advice to those coming behind me is to work hard and never bite the finger that feeds them. I made many mistakes, but I’ve learned my lessons and want others to learn from my story.”

Olajumoke detailed how her decision to leave Azuka’s mentorship for a new manager, led to financial exploitation.

Despite landing lucrative modelling gigs, Olajumoke often found herself underpaid and struggling to make ends meet.

“I travelled to South Africa for Soweto Fashion Week and was paid a lot of money,” she recounted.

“I didn’t know exactly how much, but my manager just told me we were travelling. I was happy, but when we returned, she said I would pay for my accommodation, return ticket, and feeding. She gave me just N200,000 at the end of the trip.”

The cycle repeated itself during subsequent trips, with her manager reportedly withholding payments and controlling her social media accounts.

This exploitation strained Olajumoke’s finances, leaving her unable to adequately care for her two children.

Reflecting on these experiences, she lamented her lack of education.

“If I was educated, my former handler wouldn’t have taken advantage of me the way she did. Parents should ensure their children go to school. Whatever you do, let your children be educated because that’s why we struggle.”

Despite these setbacks, Olajumoke expressed deep gratitude to TY Bello and Azuka, both of whom played pivotal roles in her rise and subsequent return.

meanwhile, Azuka shared her decision to forgive Olajumoke after she apologised, despite warnings from colleagues.

“When she apologised, many advised me not to take her back, but she had already earned a place in my heart. Everyone makes mistakes.”

With Azuka’s support, Olajumoke is now interning at City 105.1 FM and preparing to host her own show, Kílón Shéle.

This opportunity marks a new chapter in her life, one she hopes to approach with humility, hard work, and gratitude.

Born in 1989 in Osun State, Olajumoke’s journey from hairstylist to bread seller, to model, and now media personality is a testament to resilience and the unpredictability of life.

The glamour of social media fame

The Nigerian social media scene is one of the most vibrant in the world. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok have created space for countless individuals to showcase their talents, wit, and charisma to a global audience.

Whether it’s comedy, fashion, dance, or influencer marketing, Nigerians have used social media as a powerful platform to gain fame and, for some, substantial wealth.

Take, for example, the story of Hushpuppi, the Nigerian Instagram sensation who was once living a lavish lifestyle, flashing designer clothes and expensive cars to his 2.5 million followers.

Known for his flashy posts and luxurious lifestyle, Hushpuppi became a symbol of “internet money,” representing the allure of wealth and fame on social media.

However, his meteoric rise was followed by an equally dramatic fall when he was arrested in 2020 by the FBI for his involvement in an international cybercrime syndicate.

His arrest and subsequent legal battle shocked his followers and left many wondering:

How could someone who had everything fall so quickly?

The speed of fame, dangers of invisibility

The digital age has revolutionised the way fame is achieved, but it has also redefined how quickly it can disappear.

Unlike the traditional celebrity model, where fame was often cultivated over time through steady work in the entertainment or media industries, the digital age has introduced a world of “viral stars” — people who achieve overnight success with a single viral post, video, or meme.

The allure of instant fame on platforms like Instagram and TikTok is particularly appealing to Nigeria’s youth, many of whom face economic instability, unemployment, and a lack of opportunities.

For these individuals, social media offers an outlet for creativity and the possibility of quick recognition.

But, as the saying goes, “What goes up must come down.” For those who rise to fame via the internet, maintaining that success is an entirely different battle.

Good examples

Social media has redefined fame in Nigeria, catapulting ordinary individuals into stardom with just a single viral moment.

While many enjoy brief notoriety, some have successfully turned their fame into sustainable careers.

Emanuella Samuel: Comedy prodigy

Emanuella became a household name through her comedic skits with Mark Angel Comedy.

At just five years old, her talent and charm made her videos go viral on YouTube.

Over time, she youngster grew from a social media sensation into a bona fide star, earning multiple awards, brand endorsements, and even a role in a Disney production.

Her career highlights how consistency and nurturing young talent can turn viral moments into lifelong achievements.

Maraji (Gloria Oloruntobi) – Pioneer in online skits

Maraji is one of Nigeria’s earliest skit makers to achieve significant fame on platforms like Instagram.

Her relatable and humorous skits showcased her versatility, playing multiple characters with impressive flair.

Maraji’s fame opened doors to brand partnerships with major companies such as Coca-Cola and Globacom.

Despite stepping back during a personal hiatus, she remains a beloved name in Nigerian comedy, proving that building an authentic connection with your audience matters.

Tacha (Natacha Akide): Reality TV star to business mogul

Tacha’s journey began with her bold personality on Instagram, where she gained attention for her unapologetic self-promotion. Her fame soared during her time on Big Brother Naija Season 4.

Though controversial, she capitalised on her popularity post-BBN, launching businesses such as NLNT Apparel and becoming a sought-after influencer.

Her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit turned her fame into a thriving personal brand.

Lasisi Elenu (Nosa Afolabi): King of rants

Lasisi Elenu rose to prominence with his exaggerated Snapchat-filtered rants on Instagram.

His comedic take on everyday struggles resonated with Nigerians.

Leveraging his fame, Lasisi transitioned to acting, appearing in Nollywood films and landing endorsement deals with leading brands like Globacom and Access Bank.

His ability to diversify his content ensured his relevance long after the initial buzz.

Ikorodu Bois: Hollywood’s Nigerian sweethearts

The Ikorodu Bois—young brothers known for recreating movie trailers with everyday items—gained global recognition when Hollywood icons like Will Smith and the Russo Brothers noticed their talent.

They have since received equipment gifts, invitations to global movie premieres, and partnerships with international brands.

Their story exemplifies how creativity and authenticity can attract worldwide attention.

Hilda Baci: Record-breaking chef

Hilda Baci first gained attention as a food content creator on Instagram but achieved international fame by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon.

Her achievement not only solidified her as a culinary icon but also opened opportunities for endorsements, speaking engagements, and a broader influence on Nigeria’s food culture.

Broda Shaggi (Samuel Perry): The entertaining Jack of all trades

Broda Shaggi gained fame with his comedic “area boy” persona on Instagram, a character that resonated deeply with Nigerian audiences.

He diversified his portfolio by delving into music, acting, and live performances, making him one of Nigeria’s most versatile entertainers today.

His story underscores the importance of adaptability in sustaining fame.

How to stay relevant after the buzz fades

Turning social media fame into lasting success requires intentionality, strategy, and constant reinvention, experts say.

An entertainment economist, Allure Tunde, said diversifying your content, engaging authentically, and leveraging new opportunities are effective ways to make fame last.

He said, “Explore multiple interests or talents to avoid being pigeonholed. For example, Broda Shaggi ventured into acting and music, while Tacha expanded into fashion and business.”

“Consistently interact with your audience. Followers appreciate genuine connections, as seen with Emanuella’s heartfelt gratitude towards her fans.”

“Viral fame opens doors—use it wisely. Whether through endorsements or collaborations, capitalize on your moment in the spotlight.”

Tunde also stressed that social media celebrities must strive to stay consistent while adapting to new trends.

“Post regularly and maintain the quality of your content. Maraji’s consistency early in her career solidified her place in the comedy scene.”

“Be open to evolving with new platforms and formats. Lasisi Elenu’s ability to embrace acting expanded his audience base,” he added.

Another social media critic, Blessing Modupe, also known as Mogul, said all celebrities riding on social media must have a long-term plan.

“Build businesses or acquire skills that ensure income beyond social media. Hilda Baci, for instance, used her cooking platform to attract sponsors and collaborations.

“Criticism and challenges are inevitable, but resilience helps sustain your journey. Tacha turned controversies into opportunities, proving her critics wrong,” she added.