‘I was used and dumped’ — viral fish pie seller laments

Alax Evalsam, the Nigerian pastry seller who gained widespread recognition for his catchy “Fish Pie” tune, has opened up about the struggles he has faced since becoming an internet sensation.

In August 2024, Alax’s life changed when he posted a video of himself singing while hawking his fish pies on TikTok.

In the footage, he could be heard singing: “Nawa o, some people dem too do oh, nawa o. Fish pieeee”. The video raked in millions of views on social media platforms.

Following his rise to fame, rumours circulated that Alax had received large sums of money from celebrities.

However, in a recent video, Alax revealed that these claims were false and that “I have been taken advantage of”.

He said his business has been struggling, and his shop is currently empty. He also said he has not made any money from social media and is only now learning how to monetize his online presence.

Alax also dissociated himself from numerous social media accounts created in his name, revealing that his first Facebook account was taken from him and used by someone else.

“The rumours that they gave me N10 million, N5 million, and more are untrue. The truth is, many of these people took advantage of me. If they had given me all that money, I am a businessman and would have used it to stock my shop,” he said.

“But if you visit my shop now, it is empty, and there are no goods. I have not even launched the shop due to one issue or another. Many people think I am enjoying all the money they claim they gave me, but that is a lie.

“I am going through a lot, but I am surviving on the grace of God. Many may call me ungrateful, but I am speaking the truth, not a lie. All those gifts they say they gave me are a scam. Some even wished me death.”

“The truth is that I do not have a Facebook page, and all those accounts with millions of views are not mine. My first one was taken from me, and another person used it.

“I have not made a dime from social media, and the only time I make money is when they call me for skit-making. I don’t know how to make money on social media, and it’s only now that I’m learning.”