Freshpledge’s Bold “Reverse Japa”: From Software Engineering in Canada to Entertainment in Lagos
Most people in his position would have stayed. But Freshpledge, a successful software engineer in Canada, chose the opposite path. Birth name; Anthony Chidubem Okeke, left a thriving career in tech to return to Lagos and pursue his true passion: music, fashion, and
entertainment. His decision defies Nigeria’s “japa” trend, where young talents often leave the country for greener pastures. Instead, Freshpledge has made a bold statement of his own by
coming back home to build.
“People thought I was taking a huge risk, but I knew I had to come back. I’m a man on a mission,” he says.
For friends and family, the move was a shock. Leaving a stable job at a top Canadian IT firm for the unpredictable world of Nigerian entertainment seemed reckless. But for him, it was
never about playing it safe. It was about purpose.
Since his return, Freshpledge has wasted no time making an impact. He has already released an album with another on the way, attended high-profile events at Lagos’s most
exclusive venues, and set his sights on hosting parties that bring an “international vibe” to Nigeria.
He has collaborated with a leading Nigerian streetwear brand and partnered with a company introducing Teslas into the Nigerian market.
His influence is expanding beyond entertainment, blending artistry, lifestyle, and social impact into a movement.
“Freshpledge is for my generation,
” he declares with conviction in an interview.
His style is bold and authentic, a fusion of modern luxury and cultural pride that demands attention. His music fuses the raw energy of Nigerian street rhythms with global sophistication, while his presence as a host transforms ordinary gatherings into high-energy, unforgettable experiences.
Also, Freshpledge’s vision is bigger than personal fame. He aims to create a platform that empowers young Nigerians and reshapes the world’s perception of African creativity.
“Nigerian entertainment is bigger than just music or fashion.
It’s about storytelling, identity, and impact, ” he explains.
“I want to inspire self-expression
through music, fashion, and experiences, while also influencing positive societal change.”
Freshpledge is unapologetically outspoken. “I am the general of this generation,” he says, claiming leadership of a creative movement that demands recognition.
He does not shy away from challenging the status quo either, boldly giving a jab at superficial nightlife culture, and rallying his audience with a clear call to
action: “Support your own.” as he further criticises the club.
He also has a message for Nigerians abroad who hesitate to reconnect with their roots: “People that don’t come back to Nigeria for Detty December are missing out,” he says, reminding the diaspora that the country’s biggest cultural celebrations are unmatched
anywhere in the world.
Freshpledge’s journey reflects a growing trend of young Nigerians in the diaspora returning to invest in the country’s creative economy. Yet his ambition remains uniquely his own: to
become one of Nigeria’s most influential cultural voices, setting new standards for what it means to be an entertainer in today’s Nigeria.
As his story unfolds, one thing is certain: Freshpledge isn’t just chasing the spotlight; he’s creating it.
