Ace Nigerian rapper Jude Abaga, popularly known as M.I, has opened up about how he manages the pressure and expectations that come with being a celebrity in Nigeria.
The “One Naira” hitmaker revealed that he had to mentally train himself to accept being “broke shamed” so he wouldn’t feel compelled to live a flamboyant lifestyle just to please the public.
Speaking in a recent interview with Chude, M.I explained that many celebrities end up financially unstable because they constantly try to meet the unrealistic expectations placed on them.
“You go broke trying to adjust to people’s expectations” — M.I
He said:
“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.”
M.I noted that in Nigeria, some fans judge celebrities based on the cars they drive or the lifestyle they display. He stressed that those who are not mentally grounded can easily fall into the trap of overspending.
“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.”
He added that the obsession with public perception is a major issue in the country:
“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.”
M.I Says He Has Learned to Accept “Broke Shaming”
The rapper shared that it took him years of self-preparation to become comfortable with the idea that some people might mock him for not being flashy.
“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.”
M.I’s comments have sparked conversations about financial discipline, societal expectations, and the pressure placed on Nigerian celebrities to constantly showcase wealth.
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