Lagos: Ace Nigerian rapper Jude Abaga, popularly known as M.I, has shared how he handles people’s expectations from him as a celebrity. The ‘One Naira’ hitmaker disclosed that he trained himself mentally to accept being ‘broke shamed’ so as not to pressure himself into constantly proving that he has a flamboyant life.
According to Ghana Web, M.I explained in a recent interview with Chude that many celebrities became broke while living beyond their means just to adjust to people’s expectations. He emphasized the importance of not allowing others’ perceptions to wield power over one’s financial decisions.
M.I elaborated on the tendency of Nigerian society to ‘broke shame’ celebrities, urging fellow public figures to resist the temptation to meet these expectations at the expense of their financial wellbeing. He noted that discomfort with fans’ judgments about material possessions, such as the type of car one drives, can lead celebrities to overspend, ultimately resulting in financial distress.
He also pointe
d out that Nigeria is a country where many people face financial challenges, and this societal context can exacerbate the pressure on celebrities to maintain an affluent image. M.I shared that it took him time to mentally prepare himself to accept being ‘broke shamed,’ referencing past celebrities who once flaunted private jets but are no longer affluent.