Renowned Nigerian rapper Jude Abaga, widely known as M.I Abaga has opened up about how he manages the heavy expectations placed on him as a public figure.
The award-winning rapper revealed that he had to mentally condition himself to withstand being “broke shamed,” noting that many celebrities fall into financial trouble because they try to maintain appearances that are beyond their means.
Speaking during a recent interview with Chude,M.I Abaga explained that he became intentional about refusing to let public perception dictate his lifestyle.
“When I understood that people in Nigeria tend to broke shame celebrities, I had to make a decision if I want to let that have power over me. Because if you don’t deal with that, it will have exceeding power over you,” he said.
He noted that a celebrity who is uncomfortable with being judged for driving a “less-expensive” car or living modestly will constantly try to live up to fans’ expectations — a habit that leads many into financial ruin.
“If you are not comfortable with the fact that some fans can broke shame you if they see you driving a car they consider below your level, then you are going to continue adjusting to their expectations. And that is how you go broke. You go broke trying to adjust to people’s expectations,” he added.
M.I Abaga stressed that Nigerians are heavily focused on perceptions, despite the economic reality that many citizens are not financially buoyant. He said it took him time to build the mental strength to accept that people may judge him, emphasizing that several celebrities who lived extravagantly decades ago are now struggling financially.
“All our celebrities who were flying private jets 20 years ago are no longer affluent,” he noted.
M.I Abaga remarks serve as a candid reminder about the pressures of fame and the importance of maintaining financial discipline in the face of societal expectations.
