Joseph Akinwale, popularly known as Joeboy, is a multi-award-winning Nigerian Afrobeat and pop sensation whose music resonates globally. However, behind the glitz and glamour lies a story of resilience shaped by a painful childhood memory that inspired him to make a difference in the lives of others.
The 27-year-old artist, speaking in a heartfelt interview with Isi Ijewere on the Backstage Banter with Isi show, candidly shared his struggles growing up in a financially constrained household. “It felt like my life had been doomed for failure from the start,” Joeboy reflected. Yet, instead of succumbing to the weight of poverty, he transformed his pain into a drive for success.
Joeboy described the embarrassment and mental toll of being unable to afford basic necessities like school fees during his formative years. “It’s not the child’s fault they can’t pay their fees,” he explained. “But people made it seem like it was my fault, and it was embarrassing. It hurt me deeply at the time.”
This experience fueled Joeboy’s determination to succeed and help others avoid similar struggles. Two months ago, he launched the Young Legend Foundation, a subsidiary of his record label, Young Legend. The foundation focuses on supporting educational and creative pursuits, aiming to uplift young Nigerians facing financial barriers.
In its initial phase, the Young Legend Foundation will grant scholarships to Nigerian students attending public tertiary institutions during the 2024/2025 academic session. Additionally, the foundation has begun paying school fees for students, bringing hope and relief to families in need.
Joeboy expressed profound satisfaction in helping others, describing it as a way to heal his inner child. “My inner child is very excited about this. It’s crazy what something like paying school fees can do to someone mentally,” he remarked.
The artist’s initiative underscores his commitment to creating lasting change. By addressing a challenge that once weighed him down, Joeboy is empowering the next generation to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.
Through his music and philanthropy, Joeboy is proving that the pain of the past can be harnessed to inspire a brighter future not only for oneself but for an entire community.
