Once a member of the Nigerian film fraternity, Femi Brainard in recent a podcast by Teju Oyelakin popularly known as Teju Babyface shared his trials upon relocating to the United States. Brainard said he had to take a taxi driving job to feed his family. In hindsight, the actor said he would prefer remaining a popular celebrity in Nigeria despite the economic situation than living as a nonentity abroad. In his words, Brainard said, “I became a cab driver in America just to put food on the table.
Whenever people see me, especially Nigerian passengers, they often stare at me in disbelief, wondering if I’m indeed the familiar star they recognize. “America does not recognize your stardom, nor does it respect your celebrity.” Brainard shared his insights on the realities of living abroad, saying there were times he pitied the conditions of his wife as they suffered together. He also said that his wife did not like the idea of living abroad. He said coping with the humiliation of meeting Nigerians who would be shocked at Brainard said the bills are a lot and he had things like rent to think about while explaining that at a point, he was so broke, he went to the parking lot and burst into tears. He said, “At times it would be so hard, I no go get money for hand.
That day I went to the parking lot of our apartment, and I cried, na me bring this woman here. Yankee no know star o… I had to feed my family. I know this couple from the airport, the husband was like, ‘Ask him if he is Femi Brainard and I said yes. The husband didn’t know when he reached me and asked ‘bros what are you doing here? As difficult as Nigeria seems to be, I would rather be a prince and a celebrity in a system that is not working than come to this place and be a nobody. I am still bothered about rent. Quipping that the lowly life status is a deeply frustrating experience.
