𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬

Last year in Abuja, I was resting one Friday, I heard a repeated voice saying "Amara! Amara! Leave Ebuka alone; he is mine and mine forever."

The words kept echoing every few seconds, Ahhh what's happening na?
I asked myself

I decided to peek outside through the burglary-proof door and was surprised to see a crowd gathering.

Upon opening the door to check how far....I discovered it was a film shoot. Lol..

I was so happy seeing them for my first time filming. As I want to return to my room, I overheard someone jokingly telling the producer, "I know how to act too! I want to join your crew!" The producer responded, "Okay, follow us on all social media platforms @benteTV and subscribe to our YouTube channel."

"Ahhh"! This is an Opportunity for me to relate to this people... I told myself.

I copied the name and searched for them on YouTube. To my surprise, their channel appeared, and I watched a film featuring the producer and several crew members in action. Wow...its getting interesting. I was so impressed and continued checking the next videos on their channel.
I subscribed to their channel, followed them on Facebook and started with a "Hi" I introduced myself.

From the very first chat and how I got to hear about them and why I'm chatting them.
Interestingly, they replied and we fixed a meeting.

It was on a Saturday afternoon after two weeks, I went to where they stay. When I reach their apartment at Federal Housing Estate, Zuba, Abuja, the producer greeted me with surprise: "Max! So this is just you?" He proceeded to share how he was impressed by my initiative in reaching out to them. "Max is smart" he added.
We proccedded with my main reason of meeting them.
Gladly, it ended as a done deal, I became their graphic designer, designing YouTube thumbnails and movie flyers for them
And off cause, I was getting percentages 🤸

This moment thought me something deep. Throughout my life, I have often faced underestimation due to my appearance. Many people have looked at me with skepticism, assuming I am incapable. I recall when I landed my first job in Abuja; the person who referred me was somehow talked to in the way it wasn't supposed by the employer for bringing "someone like me." It was disheartening and felt like an insult, but I needed the job, so I had no excuse than to work. I worked there for 1 year before leaving.

Such experiences have been recurrent in my life. However, I've grown to keep to my identity and recognize that God is more interested in what I can offer than in what I lack. I've come to understand that I am a pathsetter—I tackle challenges head-on without fear. The body-shaming remarks and insults no longer affect me because I know there is so much more within me waiting to be explored.

Let's keep building...

Let's get better...

Maxwell Guma ✍️

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