Nigerian rapper M.I has opened up about how he manages the pressures of being a celebrity, particularly in relation to financial expectations from the public.
The ‘One Naira’ hitmaker explained that he has deliberately chosen to accept being “broke shamed” by fans and the public, rather than letting it influence his spending habits or lifestyle choices.
According to M.I, many celebrities have faced financial difficulties by attempting to meet others’ expectations instead of staying true to their own financial realities.
He highlighted that in Nigeria, where a significant portion of the population faces financial challenges, it is easy for individuals to feel pressured to maintain a certain image or lifestyle to avoid public judgment or ridicule.
M.I also noted that wealth and fame are often fleeting, a reality that many celebrities fail to acknowledge, pointing to former stars who were once affluent but now face financial struggles.
“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,” he said.
He added, “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.”
