Today we’d like to introduce you to Ngor Adub.
Hi Ngor, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Ngor Adub or AwkwardAfrican on the internet. I make silly videos and post them on social media. I’m South Sudanese but grew up right here in Jacksonville. To begin my story, when I was in high school I discovered prank videos on YouTube and quickly fell in love with them. They never failed to make me laugh or put a smile on my face.
I was hooked. It’s human nature for funny situations like that to catch our attention, for some reason I’ve always known I’ve had what it takes to put myself out there like they did. I especially loved how the interactions made people’s day sometimes. When I saw that these YouTubers were the same age as me, having a lot of fun and making careers out of their own creativity and could freely be themselves, I was sold. Anytime I was out and about with friends, I was always animated and trying pickup lines randomly anyway, instead of embarrassing myself for free why not create a channel and try getting paid for it.
Fresh out of high school I was committed, I taught myself how to edit and started looking into buying equipment. My first few videos were terrible and filmed on a low-quality camera that I bought at a pawnshop for only 80 bucks. Later on, I then worked two jobs to save up $2,000 for a more quality camera and wireless microphone set up to start producing better videos. Funny enough, as a child I’ve always wanted to become an actor so I figured putting myself in front of a camera could only help me get one step closer to the big screen.
I never in a million years thought I could ever inspire others or entertain but anything is possible when you have faith, go for it and give it a shot. You could say the rest is history. My channel is currently at a combined total of 3.7 million views and sitting at 30,000 Subscribers. I’m becoming exactly who I set out to be, day by day turning this dream into a reality.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wish it were a smooth road. It is very hard actually. I’d say some of my personal struggles include finding others just as hungry for success. Not everyone will see the bigger picture.
You’re the only person that can see what’s going on inside your head, so you can imagine how hard it is convincing others you have solid gold ideas when it’s not a tangible thing they could reach out and touch. Having a team of at least two or three committed guys on your side is key. Also just believing that things will work out can be tough. For instance, if you hit a viral video or your numbers are up, it’s easy to feel good.
But what about when numbers are low? Obviously, it’s not only about views and likes but engagement means everything these days. Believing in yourself and trusting the process is the hardest part, no matter what you have got to have faith that everything will work out.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a YouTuber. I specialize in comedic vlogs and hidden camera prank videos. I’d have to say my most proud moment so far is reaching over 1 million views on a video. One million people, I can’t even name 100 people that I know. It’ll never feel real because I remember telling myself one day that I’d be doing this and now I’m here in the moment.
What sets me apart is that I’m actually a videographer, photographer, and I experiment a little with music as well. I enjoy shooting music videos and I enjoy making people laugh. I don’t like to be put inside of a box. Life is too big to only do one thing, I love exploring my talents, challenging myself, and seeing what else I’m capable of.
Also, my heavy editing in my videos makes me stand out, I really like to go overboard because I love all of my supporters who’ve helped me get to this point. So I work very hard on each video just for their entertainment. I also love to acknowledge or engage with everyone that I can, I refuse to ever lose sight of who I am. Whether 3 subscribers or 3 million, I aim to remain the same humble guy.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I believe in God, I don’t believe in luck. I’m a very spiritual person. Everything has its perfect time. What’s meant for you is destined to happen, I am living proof of that. In the book of Romans, it says that ALL things work together for good.
I firmly believe I was given a rough upbringing to further motivate me, keep me in check, and focused on my goals and aspirations. I’m not sure if I would’ve made it this far without having its ups and downs. No one can change the cards they’re dealt, it’s up to you and how you choose to play the hand.
Contact Info:
- Email: adubngor@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ngoradub/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/awkwardafrican
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/awkwardafrican
- SoundCloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/904ngor
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@awkwardafrican
