Nigerian comedian and skit maker Chibuike Josh Alfred, known as Josh2Funny, has shared a startling reason behind his decision to retire his popular female character, “Mama Felicia.” Speaking on ‘The Honest Bunch’ podcast, Josh2Funny disclosed that he faced unwanted advances and harassment from homosexual men, which significantly contributed to his decision to stop playing the character.
Josh2Funny explained that his portrayal of “Mama Felicia” was intended purely as a comedic character, emphasizing that it was meant to be over-the-top and silly. Despite his intentions, he began receiving inappropriate messages and advances from men attracted to the character. One particularly disturbing incident involved a WhatsApp message from a man professing love for him, which led Josh2Funny to respond with threats in a bid to deter further contact.
The comedian described feeling embarrassed and harassed by these interactions, leading him to shift his persona from “Mama Felicia” to “Brother Zakius,” a character that allowed him to wear male clothing and avoid further unwanted attention.
Josh2Funny’s experience highlights the challenges faced by content creators who step outside traditional gender norms in their performances. The shift in his comedic focus reflects a personal decision to regain comfort and control over his public image while continuing to entertain his audience.