Leave Bobrisky – Meet Calypso King, First Nigerian Man Who Wanted To Become a Woman and Change His Genitals in the 80s

If we guess right, you are surprised because you have always thought Bobrisky is the first Nigerian man to publicly take up the identity of a woman. Do not be surprised, long before Bobrisky lived a celebrated crossdresser and self-acclaimed transgender named Bob Actor, popularly known as Calypso King!

Who was Bob Actor/Calypso King?

Bob Actor was a Nigerian musician and actor in the 1980s and was known throughout the country. Bob (Calypso King) lived his life quite different from that of other celebrities of his time. He was married with at least a child but still wished to live as a woman and sometimes, he dressed as one.

In February, 1989, Bob Actor granted Lagos Weekend an interview in which he made it known that he always felt like a woman trapped in the body of a man. He also talked about getting a surgery to fully become a transgender and live the life he had always dreamed about.

During the interview, he said,

“I do not even bother myself about what people may say after all no one is above criticism. I only got married to prove to people I’m not impotent either”.

OldNaija.com gathered that Calypso King (Bob Actor) desired to get married to a man after his surgery and then love his wife like a sister after which she can get married to another man of her choice. He said,

“I’ve even received a marriage proposal from a black American man and we intend to have our own children”.

He got several criticisms from the Nigerian public, many even believed he was insane. Bob Actor didn’t get discouraged and still pushed on with the kind of life he wanted. He once said,

“People make history just like history makes people. I know what I’m doing because I’m not insane”.

So, if you’re thinking that the Nigerian Barbie, Bobrisky, is the first celebrated crossdresser in Nigeria, discard the thought for The Calypso King once lived; The Calypso King who wanted to change his male genitals to that of a female.

What do you think of Bobrisky and Bob Actor? Leave a comment below and do not forget to share with friends on social media.

Image credit: Amanda Kirby of Joliba Heritage and Culture.