Rapper M.I Abaga has opened up about how he navigates the financial pressures that come with being a public figure in Nigeria.
The ‘One Naira’ hitmaker explained that he has trained himself to accept “broke shaming” rather than letting it influence his lifestyle or spending habits.
According to M.I, many celebrities fall into financial trouble by trying to meet the expectations of fans or project an image of wealth they cannot sustain. He highlighted that in a country like Nigeria, where many people face economic challenges, the pressure to display a luxurious lifestyle can be intense.
“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. If you don’t deal with it, it can have exceeding power over you,” he said.
M.I emphasised that constantly adjusting one’s lifestyle to avoid judgment is a common path to financial strain. “If you are not comfortable with the fact that some fans can broke shame you for 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 explained.
He also noted the impermanent nature of wealth in the entertainment industry, citing examples of former celebrities who once flew private jets but are no longer affluent. “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 added.
M.I’s candid reflection sheds light on the often unseen pressures celebrities face in maintaining appearances, while stressing the importance of financial prudence and self-awareness.
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