Why relocating to the U.S. felt like his “biggest mistake”, Teju Babyface
In a candid reflection, Nigerian comedian and TV host Teju Babyface has revealed that his decision to move to the United States felt like the biggest error of his life, at least initially.
Speaking during a recent YouTube video, Teju explained that he and his family made the move with high hopes of advancing his career and offering a new environment for his household. He noted, however, that before long he realised the commonly held notion that “life abroad is easier” is often misleading.
He elaborated:
“The issue with life is that we almost suffer from ‘the grass is greener on the other side’ syndrome … When we’re standing in one place … we look at another position … from where we’re standing … that other place looks very green, very rosy, very appealing … The problem is we don’t see the challenges of that side from where we are standing.”
Teju disclosed that shortly after they settled in the U.S., the COVID‑19 pandemic struck, compounding the difficulties of adapting to a new country. He admitted that during a three‑year period he believed he had “shot in the foot.”
Reflecting on the emotional toll, he said the experience helped him understand the deeper meaning behind a lyric by legendary musician King Sunny Ade, which he had sung without fully appreciating before.