Entertainment

  Popular Nigerian skit maker and actor Samuel Perry, popularly known as Broda Shaggi, has spoken out after months away from the public eye, expressing gratitude to his fans for their continued support and loyalty throughout his absence. Shaggi, who has largely stayed away from social engagements, public appearances and shows in recent months, said he had been unable to connect with his fans in the way he wanted. In an emotional message shared on his WhatsApp channel on Friday, the comedian thanked those who continued to check on him and support him despite his prolonged absence. He said their patience and loyalty had meant more to him than he could express. “To everyone who’s still here… waiting, checking in, showing love, and holding me down even through the silence, thank you. I don’t think y’all truly understand how much that means to me. “Even when I haven’t been able to show up the way I wanted to, knowing that y’all are still here has meant more than I can put into words,” he wrote. The skit maker, however, did not disclose the reason for his absence, saying he was not yet ready to tell his full story. He hinted that he would eventually open up about what he had been going through and expressed hope that he would soon return to doing what he is known for. “I wish I could tell y’all everything right now… but I can’t. Not yet. “Just know I haven’t forgotten about you, and I haven’t stopped thinking about the day I can finally come back and really be ME with y’all again. I’m hoping that day comes soon,” he said. Shaggi also promised his fans that his eventual return would be stronger, while acknowledging the time he had spent away from the scene. “And when it does, I promise I’m coming back better, stronger, and ready to make up for all this lost time,” he added. “Until then, please know this from the bottom of my heart. I LOOOOOOOOR Y’ALL SOOOO MUCH. Thank you for staying. Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for still being here,” Shaggi said. The message comes months after reports surrounding an alleged shooting incident involving the comedian sparked concern among his fans. PUNCH Online had reported that the Ogun State Police Command commenced an investigation into reports that Shaggi had sustained a gunshot injury while filming a comedy skit around the Sango-Ota area of Ogun State. The reported incident was said to have occurred on a Sunday afternoon while the comedian and his crew were filming under the Sango-Ota bridge. However, the circumstances surrounding the reported incident remained unclear, while the Ogun State Police Command said it could not confirm that the incident occurred within the state. In a statement issued at the time, the command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information. “For the sake of clarity, the command cannot confirm that Broda Shaggy was shot anywhere within Ogun State. Investigation into the matter has, however, commenced,” he said. “Members of the public are kindly advised to refrain from spreading unverified information and allow the investigation to run its course.” The Lagos State Police Command had also said detectives were alerted by a hospital about a gunshot victim receiving treatment at the facility. According to the command, officers who visited the hospital discovered that the victim was Shaggi. The command said he had an injury to his thigh, but noted that the reported location of the incident, Sango-Ota, was outside its jurisdiction. At the time, a source told PUNCH Online that Shaggi had initially been taken to a hospital in the Alakuko area of Lagos before being referred to another facility in Ikeja. However, reports surrounding the incident were later questioned on social media, while no detailed account of what happened was publicly provided by Shaggi himself or his management. His prolonged absence from public events, comedy shows and his usual online activities subsequently became a source of concern among fans, who continued to ask about his whereabouts and wellbeing. Shaggi’s latest message is his most significant public communication in months, although he stopped short of explaining what had kept him away. The comedian instead focused on thanking his supporters and assuring them that he had not forgotten them. Known for his distinctive comic character, energetic skits and appearances in Nigerian entertainment productions, Shaggi rose to prominence through social media comedy and has built a large following across various platforms. For now, his fans are left waiting for the full story he promised to share, and, perhaps, his return to the comedy scene.