The name Bongo Ideas has sparked lots of controversy in recent times. Fans have gone long hours debating about his brilliance in his line of work. Most of them have been astonished by his impeccable use of the English language. What many people seem to agree on is the fact he has gone through some of the most challenging times in Ghanaian social media history. We will talk about Albert Nathaniel Hyde’s rise in detailed steps so let’s go;
1. Next TV Star Audition
Bongo once had his big break in mainstream media after an on-air tussle with ace anchor Nana Aba Anamoah, Serwaa Amihere, and Bridget Otoo over his past troll comments on Twitter. He had gone to audition for a part in the Next TV Star program at the station. This show was scripted to target young, promising talents to handle the media space in the coming years. It was kind of a blessing in disguise as he faced the three ladies he had criticized heavily and sometimes controversially based on their looks and statuses in journalism in the country. That was not the best but it was like his destiny when he walked in the audition hall and stood right in front of them. Nana Aba was the first to spot him and immediately alerted the others. I remember it like yesterday. Nana Aba’s question was simple and it was directed to the young blogger after some of his Tweets had been read.
One of Bongo’s read; “Hey Serwaa, we know what you have been up to in this country”. Nana Aba then asked, what do you know? Boy! This changed the whole dynamics of the audition and he became an example of what not to do on X. The 3 women were kind of happy to confront him finally and that turned out to be a blessing in disguise. He trended for weeks on the social media app. During this period, he was talked about on TV as well so just imagine how things fell into place. His numbers were hugely impacted leading him to rack up hundreds of followers within a short period. He had the opportunity to meet the EIB network, boss Bola Ray, and of course, Nana Aba herself to smoke the peace and was even offered a role to combat social media trolling.
2. His interview with Zionfelix
After this incident had gone viral, Bongo’s interview on GH One was virtually everywhere online. He however opened his doors to YouTuber and journalist, Zionfelix for an uncut tell-it-all session explaining his actions and how they negatively affected his career. The highly viewed interview revealed many reasons why Bongo chose to say foul things about big personalities. So yes, I deduced this after watching the interview and that was simple. He loved to be heard and the only way he was going to make a mark in the country was to tweet controversially.
Bongo who revealed he was a blogger for the first time never shied away from the fact that his work was purely professional and not intended to degrade people of substance. He was however advised by the host who wished him well in his future project and journalistic career. Just after the interview, Bongos’ demand for services shot up tremendously with notable media houses seeking his signature on a lucrative contract. He was a bit overwhelmed by that but stuck to his passion which was to own his own media space and churn out bizarre news to his fans.
3. His comments about hip-life grandpapa Reggie Rockston, dancehall-king Shatta Wale and Amerado
He also had a heated confrontation with Reggie Rockstone after commenting on the unfortunate demise of Davido’s son. Bongo’s statements pushed the blame of negligence onto the Nigerian singer. Reggie Rockstone went on interviews on radio stations with Bongo’s name on his lips. This in turn led to Bongo criticizing his legendary music releases over the years. Reggie who is tagged as Ghana’s hiplife legend felt offended by Bongo’s comments and fervently hoped the young man did better in his life.
The unapologetic critique had heated and enjoyable sessions with an artiste like Shatta Wale and made it clear to him to focus on producing albums rather than tweeting at anybody online because he was a very respected brand and role model for many. This was not well taken by the Grammy-nominated artist who got that feat as a result of his feature on Beyonce’s “Already” hit song. Shatta Wale called him out in a series of tweets and even asked his loyal followers to demand answers from Bongo since he was not willing to respond to his comments halfway through the feud. This ended with both parties elevating their presence on the X platform, the attention particularly favoring Bongo.
4. The Erasmus Quo marriage and Okyeame Kwame bizarre advertisement
Bongo went on to comment on the wife of ace sports anchor, Erasmus Quao. After his much-publicized wedding, Quao was shaken just like everyone else and had to ignore a post from Bongo concerning his lavish marriage and choice of wife. The Ghanaian Twitter community came through for the celebrated sports anchor and defended his choice of a life partner. At this point, Bongo’s online antics were being noticed by the fans but it was too late to be stopped. He granted an Interview with Zionfelix about his embarrassing moments which racked up millions of views.
Subsequent celebrity critiquing of musician Okyeame Kwame over his boxer advertisement was a huge one as well. According to Bongo, the father of 2 was not supposed to showcase his newly released men’s underwear to the public on his Twitter account. Bongo also stressed that he was a multicultural figure but should have taken into consideration the number of young fans following his every move online. Okyeame who never replied to Bongo was said to have been distraught with the comments from the now fast-rising critique. “Kumerican” rapper Amerado had his fair share of Bongo’s mass celebrity critiquing when he was awarded the rapper of that year.
5. Online Feud with influencers Kojo Forex and Enokay
Kojo Forex who is tagged as the country’s leader in online trade had his lawyers after Bongo after the blogger claimed his wealth did not entirely come from Forex trading and that the constant flaunting of his cars proved that fact. Kojo Forex got the paperwork ready to sue the blogger for damages and had a fine of 200,000 Ghana cedis. This huge amount led to widespread controversy from many people who felt the young blogger had no funds even to pay up.
Bongo, however, struck a chord with the fans again when he appeared unperturbed by the claims from Kojo Forex and assured him of bringing his lawyers on board to handle the case well and to the core for that matter. His online feud with Enokay, an influencer, who had acquired a luxurious Range Rover also made him lovable on the app. Bongo pleaded with him to reveal the secrets of his wealth because he believed Enokay’s engagement in gambling wasn’t his only source of income and urged him to stop deceiving his hardworking followers.
6. Nana Ama McBrown saga
Just recently his comments about Nana Mcbrown’s move from United Showbiz to Onua TV also sparked controversy and a widespread backlash which we believe also got him involved in the trends. Bongo said the actress and mother-of-one’s poaching to the media house was not the best. He lambasted Onua TV Ghana for it and even said Mcbrown’s acting history played a part in that.
With all his celebrity critiquing, Bongo has indeed become a powerhouse now providing news to the public and tweeting about everything he sees around the globe. He has also been granted interviews about his experiences in the Ghanaian Entertainment industry and the need to have tough skin when dealing with people online. But one thing he has always been proud of was sticking to his work ethic and delivering the news no matter what and how uncomfortable it makes his targeted celebrities feel. To many, he is ruthless with it. Bongo though very young seeks to find answers as to why many people in power behave in the manner they do and even wishes to start granting interviews with them in person.
7. Assault over free speech
Bongo was recently assaulted by unknown groups of people who feel disres[pected by his critiquing down the years. Speaking to Captain Smart on Onua’s morning show, the seasoned personality cautioned him over his online antics putting fear in him. He also claimed that he believes the country of Ghana does not protect people’s rights like it used to hence hopes to relocate for good. He hopes to seek asylum in the United States of America.
Currently, he finds it a bit tough to grab the big names in music and acting here in the country. He has for this brilliant reason begun engaging in Twitter spaces to increase his numbers by the day. Though, he has not hit top gear yet. He is still one of the most influential dudes in the Entertainment scene. His rise is one memorable thing many marvel at and some even believe it was meant to be. Bongo these days keeps his work professional despite still sharing his unfiltered opinions on some of the delicate issues in the country. Many tweeps have revealed that his truth is mostly controversial despite its accuracy and that is what keeps him going. Bongo according to multiple sources is on good terms with ace journalist Nana Ama Anamoah.
We crown his achievements with his famous quote “Twitter is not a real place” thus urging all our manner people to use his story as a source of motivation while moving through life’s adversities and also make it clear that everything we hope to achieve is as a result of a strong and tough mindset.