How ‘Gerara Here’ changed my life – Francis Odega reveals

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Odega has revealed how his popular catchphrase “Gerara here” earned him recognition and even payment from Nigerian rapper Olamide.

The actor made the revelation while speaking during an appearance on the Where Is The Lie podcast, where he reflected on how the viral phrase opened several opportunities for him in the entertainment industry.

According to Odega, Olamide contacted him and paid him in dollars before using his voice and catchphrases in a song by Nigerian singer Lil Kesh.

The actor explained that he was in South Africa at the time when he received the request from the rapper seeking permission to use his voice in the track.

“Olamide called me and he paid me in dollar for him to use my voice and the 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 could lift my voice and I said yes,” he said.

Odega noted that the catchphrase became a viral sensation at the time, attracting widespread attention both locally and internationally.

He added that several celebrities reached out to him during the period when the phrase was trending, including global music stars Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent, who reposted the viral clip on social media.

“Who no call me when ‘Gerara here’ was trending? Even Bracket ‘Yori Yori’. Even Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent reposted me,” he added.

The actor further disclosed that the viral moment opened doors to several endorsement deals and international opportunities.

According to him, he later became an ambassador for telecommunications company Etisalat for about three years and also appeared in adverts for DStv during a visit to South Africa.

Odega’s “Gerara here” line became widely popular after it featured in a comedic movie scene and later gained further traction after being sampled in Lil Kesh’s hit song.