De General said his 2017 stand-up comedy performance went badly, with little audience reaction, and he was told to quit comedy.
He later switched to skit-making online, where he eventually found success.
Watch the video clip below…
The story came up during a conversation with fellow entertainer Carter Efe, where De General shared how that early stage experience nearly discouraged his comedy career.
What happened during De General’s 2017 comedy show?
In 2017, De General was still trying to establish himself in Nigeria’s comedy scene. He got an invitation to perform at a stand-up show, which looked like a big chance for exposure at the time.
He performed for close to 10 minutes, but the reaction from the audience was far from encouraging. According to him, many people were not paying attention, and the response from the crowd was weak.
After the event, the person who invited him reportedly told him not to try stand-up comedy again.
Why did the performance go badly?
Early comedy shows often depend on timing, audience connection, and experience. At that stage in 2017, De General was still developing his stage confidence and delivery style.
Many upcoming comedians in Nigeria face similar situations where jokes do not land as expected, especially in mixed or unfamiliar audiences. The reaction does not always reflect talent, but more about timing and preparation.

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Did this stop De General from comedy?
Even after the poor reception, De General did not quit entertainment. He continued building his presence online and through skits, where he later gained recognition.
His rise shows a shift from traditional stage comedy to digital comedy, which has become a strong path for many Nigerian creators.
What Carter Efe’s reaction added to the story
During the conversation, Carter Efe reacted with humor, turning the moment into a lighthearted reflection rather than a discouraging memory.
Both entertainers are known for comedy content that connects strongly with young audiences, especially on social media platforms.
Why this story matters in Nigerian comedy
The Nigerian comedy scene has many success stories that started with rejection. Stage failure is common among comedians before they find their voice.
De General’s experience in 2017 reflects how early struggles often shape later success. Many comedians now known across Nigeria and Africa had similar early setbacks before gaining attention online or on stage.
FAQs about De General’s 2017 comedy story
Did De General really perform at a show in 2017?
Yes. He confirmed that he was invited to a stand-up comedy event in 2017 during his early career stage.
How long did De General perform on stage?
He said he performed for about 10 minutes during the show.
What was the audience reaction?
According to him, the audience did not pay much attention, making the performance feel unsuccessful.
Who advised him not to continue comedy?
He mentioned that the person who invited him to the show told him not to try stand-up comedy again after the performance.
Did this end his comedy career?
No. He continued in entertainment and later gained popularity through skits and online comedy content.
Related: Carter Efe Begs President Tinubu to Tackle Insecurity in Nigeria
Reported by Anything Celebrity – Nigeria’s hub for entertainment gist and celebrity updates.
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