The real, humble upbringing of Joshua (b. 2006) & Goodluck (b. 2008) Stanley — De Stanley Brothers
Joshua and Goodluck Stanley grew up in a rented apartment in Agudama-Epie, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. They were raised primarily by their single mother amid significant financial hardship.
“We were raised by a single mother living in a rented apartment… Sometimes we don’t even have food. We just manage and manage… It was not that easy.”
Location
Agudama-Epie (slum area), Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
Birth Years
Joshua — 2006 | Goodluck — 2008
Their mother, Zegbalame Stanley (also referred to as Zalame Wilson), was the sole provider. She farmed despite health challenges like nosebleeds and prayed constantly for divine help.
"God send helper from west and south to bless my children."
— Zegbalame Stanley
"Apart from having the talent to sing, we also pay close attention to help our innocent loving mother to ensure we make everything easy."
— Joshua & Goodluck Stanley
The brothers went to the farm and river daily to fish and help provide for the family.
“Sometimes we don’t even have food… We just manage and manage. It was not that easy.” They would cry together at home.
Despite the hardship, they kept working, praying, and believing they would become somebody.
Joshua began singing at age two after watching church choirs every Sunday. He practiced at home and taught his younger brother Goodluck, who started at age three.
"I started singing at the age of two. After seeing choirs sing every Sunday, I will go home to practice on my own."
— Joshua Stanley