Hi There! Welcome to Je Gbese! Je Gbese is a word that I grew up with in Nigeria as well as with my parents while living in the Bronx. The literal translation means to "eat credit/debt". But that's too easy, right? It can mean "trouble" as well - since no one thinks having debt is a walk in a park - in fact, most Nigerians do not have debt - its common to pay a balance in full and if you're unable to afford it - you keep saving. Debt is often provided by not banks - but friends or family (some who aren't that patient). So we say gbese to mimic that financial woe. "Mo ti je gbese" - "I'm in trouble" "Gbeseeee!" - Troubleeeee! "Ma jin je gbese" - Don't stress me to fall for this Je ...
