Josue Sunday, De General aka a beggar speaks TOPHARAT IGE about his career, work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and other topics
what were there any lessons you learned from your ordeal with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency?
I learned that the seven basic human rights they taught us in school were just for teaching; they don’t apply it in reality (in Nigeria).
It must have been a low moment for you. Have you ever been depressed?
Yes, I suffered from severe post-traumatic stress syndrome. However, I was able to overcome it with the help of my loved ones.
To get out of it, I constantly reminded myself that I was innocent.
How did the incident affect your brand?
It actually had a positive impact on my brand. The Bible says that a good man cannot go down. After that incident, I became more popular and earned more money.
Are you planning to do a skit or create other content based on what happened?
Many people have real life stories to tell. I don’t know the story I will tell myself; or if someone else did that.
What project are you working on?
I’ve been releasing some fun clips for a while now. That is preparing for my serials and movies which will be released in 2023. I want my fans to stay tuned in Nollywood.
What is your strength?
To whom much is given, much is expected. I know God has blessed me with various talents, and I believe it is time for Nollywood to experience “real” action movies.
How did your sketching journey begin?
It started in 2017. After going to several auditions in Port Harcourt (Rivers State) and not getting a chance to show what I had in me, I started begging. Thanks to God and the media, I became popular. I will still switch to my first love, which is filmmaking.
Which scheme brought you to prominence?
I have done several sketches that went viral. There was one in particular that I did imitating Korean movies. However, in August 2019, it was a particular skit with another beggar Sydney Iwundu called ‘When Your Guy is a Real Gee’ that really brought me into the limelight.
What is the lowest amount you have been paid to influence/advertise?
In 2019 I paid N$7,000 to promote a song.
Many beggars, including you, have bought expensive cars and properties in recent times; and some people believe that such money could not come from doing skits alone. What is the answer to that?
I don’t blame people who think that most sketch artists make money through illegal means. I had the same mindset when I was still broke. I would see my senior colleagues with their cars and think, ‘Isn’t that the same thing I do with my phone’? It wasn’t until God “blew the whistle” that I realized that a lot of money could be made from begging. Social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube pay creators in Nigeria. I wonder why people doubt the wealth of sketch artists, but believe in that of music artists? All I can say is that content creators really deserve more.
What are your most memorable moments as a sketch maker?
That was when I got my first salary (N7,000) for promoting a song. I was very happy, at least I was able to contribute something to the maintenance of my family.
Many skits these days are too sexualized, lack depth, many skits only feature curvy women and lack rich scripts. What is your take on that?
I see a lot of comments about sketch creators using curvy ladies in their skits and it gets sexualized. But, the same people who make these complaints watch music videos with half-naked girls on TV in front of children. However, they take to social media, that is, for adults, to criticize the sketch authors. Should we use animals in our prayers? Each skate maker has his own unique style. People should search for and view content that they find relevant. They are under no obligation to view a certain type of content.
Have you ever had a reason to turn down an influential gig?
yes I usually turn down a gig if I feel like I’m going to get in trouble; such as those promoting Ponzi schemes.
How do you come up with your begs; from the moment the idea comes to the finished work?
More often than not, they are inspired by real-life experiences that many people can relate to. I tweak them to make them fun.
How do you deal with negative comments on social media?
I check if my account balance has been reduced. If not, I go on with my life (laughs).
Have your parents and other family members always supported your begging journey?
My parents really wanted me to focus on my studies.
You recently got a house for your parents. Did you buy it and build it from scratch?
I built it from scratch, and finished it in about five months.
What inspired the gesture, especially when you made it?
My parents and siblings were tenants in a two bedroom apartment. Since God blessed me, it only made sense to give him a proper place to call home.
Apart from begging, are you involved in other businesses?
For now, I’m a full-time content creator.
What advice do you have for young sketch creators to monetize their content?
They must follow their dreams. However, they should make sure that they make quality content, and not take every ad that comes out for the money. Nothing is sweeter than seeing one’s beggar make a buck.
What are your long-term career plans?
Filmmaking is my final destination.
Who are your role models/mentors?
I admire the Chinese actor Jackie Chan; and Hong Kong actor, Donnie Yen.
