•M.I Abaga
Famous Nigerian rapper, M.I has revealed strategy for coping with the pressures of being a celebrity, particularly in regards to financial expectations from the public.
The ‘One Naira’ hitmaker disclosed that he has made a conscious effort to accept being “broke shamed” by fans and the public, rather than allowing it to dictate his spending habits or lifestyle choices, reports The Nation.
According to M.I, many celebrities have fallen into financial difficulties by trying to live up to the expectations of others, rather than being true to their own financial realities.
He emphasised that in Nigeria, where many people struggle financially, it is easy for individuals to feel pressured into projecting a certain image or lifestyle in order to avoid being judged or shamed by others.
He also pointed out that the transient nature of wealth and fame is a reality that many celebrities often overlook, citing examples of former celebrities who were once wealthy but are now struggling financially.
“When I understood that people in Nigeria tend to broke shame people, 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.
“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.
“One of the things that Nigerians are concerned about is their perceptions. And statistically, we are a country where most people don’t have money. It took me time to mentally prepare myself to accept being broke shamed. All our celebrities who were flying private jets 20 years ago are no longer affluent,” he expressed.
