Former Dubai Borga Okyere now going by the stage name Gabilo Don (a shortened version of his original name, Gabriel), he has transitioned into farming and music in Ghana. According to him,
“I have financial freedom here in Ghana, and I’m okay. I work, take care of my farm plots, and focus on building my future.”
He explains that if he had focused solely on music and other distractions, he wouldn’t have made progress.
“Some people think starting a business in Ghana is a waste, but they’re just not serious,” he says.
Gabilo shares a story of a friend who paid GHC180,000 to an agent to travel to the UK. Two years later, nothing came of it. The agent, from near Berekum, ended up disappearing with the money after selling off the victim’s property through court. Now, that friend runs a wholesale shop and has given up on traveling abroad, advised by his uncle to stay in Ghana and build something.
He also recalls another friend who was deported from the UK.
“Now he’s hiding in the Western Region because of the stigma. People mock you when they hear you’ve been deported.” Gabilo himself faced ridicule when he returned from Dubai, but he didn’t let it break him. “SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle show really motivated me. Without it, I’d have been frustrated. It gave me the strength to stay and work here.”
He mentions his three friends who traveled with tourist visas and got arrested and deported from the Uk because they lacked proper documentation.
“If my friend had listened to this program earlier, he would have saved that GHC180,000.”
Now, Gabilo is focused on farming yam, cassava, and running a small poultry business.
“I don’t even buy meat from outside anymore,” he says with pride. In addition, he writes and composes music. His new single, Sika Nkomo, will soon be released on all digital platforms. “I also plan to go back to Accra to promote my music more. Social media is helping a lot now. I hope to become a superstar and enjoy life.”
He has music videos on his YouTube channel, Gabilo Don, although Sika Nkomo isn’t out yet.
“I traveled before just to hustle and make money to push my music. I don’t have a manager yet, but I have self-confidence it’ll all work out.”
Beyond music, Gabilo doesn’t want to pursue any other business.
“If God wants to give me riches, I’d rather He gives me a hit song and fame first,” he jokes. Growing up in his mother’s bar, he was influenced by legends like Nana Acheampong.
Today, he owns a house and a land in his hometown.
“I call myself Don now because at least I’ve made a little money,” he says with a smile.
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