From Ojuelegba to the World: How Adewale Escaped a Scam and Became a Global Music Star

Adewale was a small boy from Ojuelegba, Lagos, who grew up believing his grandmother was his mother. She cared for him with so much love and attention that he never questioned it. To Adewale, she was everything—his world, his protector, and the center of his life.

It wasn’t until a fateful day at the market that he discovered the truth. On their way back home, Adewale and his grandmother were involved in a small accident. As people gathered, his grandmother cried out, “Please, help me carry him! It’s someone else’s child!” In that moment, Adewale finally understood that the woman who had raised him with such devotion was, in fact, his grandmother—not his mother.

The revelation was bittersweet. He learned that before he was born, his father’s family had opposed the marriage to his mother. Despite all of this, Adewale continued living with his grandmother. He went to school, though he struggled with English, and his grandmother remained his anchor—until the day she passed away.

After her death, Adewale’s life became much harder. His family asked him what trade he wanted to learn. He dreamed of becoming a musician, but they insisted he learn painting, telling him that music was “not a proper career.” Adewale tried to comply but never truly learned.

One day, someone approached him with an exciting opportunity. They promised to take him and his friends to America, and when Adewale expressed concern about not having a passport or visa, they assured him it was “no problem.” They asked the kids to keep it a secret from their families. Excited, Adewale and his friends eagerly awaited the journey.

The day arrived. They met at Oshodi and started traveling. But instead of heading to America, they were taken north. They rested in Zaria to eat, and as they continued, Adewale’s instincts told him something was wrong. The route made no sense. He realized this might be a scam.

When the group reached a remote location, Adewale refused to go further. He left and cleverly followed a pepper trailer back to Lagos. Tragically, his friends were taken to Morocco and forced into slavery. Adewale was shaken but safe.

Back in Lagos, he returned to painting lessons—but he still struggled. He didn’t care for the trade; his heart was in music. With focus, determination, and the lessons of survival he had learned, Adewale poured his soul into his music.

Years passed, and Adewale’s persistence paid off. His songs resonated across Nigeria, Africa, and eventually the world. The boy who nearly fell into a scam and had lost his grandmother grew into a global music star, admired for his talent, resilience, and the story of survival behind his rise.

Adewale never forgot where he came from—the streets of Ojuelegba, the love of his grandmother, and the near-tragedy that could have ended it all. But through music, he found freedom, purpose, and the world at his feet.