Nollywood actor Francis Odega has opened up about how his famous catchphrase “Gerara here” gained massive popularity and even earned him payment from Nigerian rapper Olamide.
Speaking during an appearance on the Where Is The Lie podcast, the actor explained that Olamide reached out to him before using his voice and lines in a song by Lil Kesh.
According to Odega, he was in South Africa at the time when he received the request asking for permission to use his voice in the track.
He said:
“Olamide called me and he paid me in dollar. For him to use my voice and line ‘Gerara here’ and ‘You don’t know nothing’ in Lil Kesh’s song. Although at that time I was in South Africa. So they asked whether they can lift my voice. I said YES. Who no call me when ‘Gerara here’ was trending, even Bracket Yori Yori. Even Snoop Dogg and 50 cent reposted me.
I then got a whole lot of endorsements. I was once Etisalat ambassador. For three years I was with them. I went to South Africa and did DStv adverts.”
Odega noted that the viral moment opened several opportunities for him, including brand endorsements and international recognition after global stars such as Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent reposted the clip online.