World Service

When acting wasn’t working out Nigerian Samuel Perry turned to social media. He found fame with his viral persona, Broda Shaggi, but it came with pressure to stay in character. Samuel learnt everything about performance from his drama teacher father. When his dad died in 2000 after a tragic motoring accident, Samuel and his family moved from their comfortable life in Ogun state to an impoverished area of Lagos where his mother struggled to make ends meet. While studying creative arts at the University of Lagos, Samuel began auditioning for roles in Nollywood films and putting on small theatre shows to make money for his family. But as an unknown name, the roles he’d land didn't provide the financial stability he needed. Turning to social media, Samuel began creating comedic skits and characters. His videos, as a loud and cash-savvy 'agbero' or Nigerian street kid called Broda Shaggi, went viral. Samuel started winning awards and transformed his family's finances. His performances as Shaggi were watched by millions, making Samuel one of Nigeria's biggest content creators. But with Broda Shaggi's immense fame and success also came pressure on Samuel's identity, with fans expecting him to be in character if they met him in person. Presenter:Tommy Dixon Producer: Julian Siddle (Photo: Samuel Perry)