Rapper M.I Explains Why Some Celebrities Experience Financial Struggles

Ace Nigerian rapper Jude Abaga, popularly known as M.I, has opened up about managing public expectations as a celebrity, explaining how he avoids the pressure to constantly display wealth.

Speaking in a recent interview with Chude, the “One Naira” hitmaker said he trained himself mentally to accept being “broke shamed” rather than living beyond his means to satisfy public perception.

“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 said.

He warned that many celebrities fall into financial difficulties by trying to match public expectations: “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.”

M.I also noted the broader societal pressures contributing to this phenomenon: “One of the things Nigerians are concerned about is their perceptions. 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.”