Nigerian rap icon Jude Abaga, popularly known as MI Abaga, has opened up about the silent struggles many celebrities face behind the glitz, especially the pressure to appear wealthy at all times.
In a candid conversation with Chude Jideonwo, the veteran rapper revealed that one of the biggest battles entertainers fight is the fear of being judged for not living up to fans’ expectations of luxury and flamboyance.
According to him, Nigerian fans often attach a celebrity’s worth to material display, a mindset that fuels unhealthy pressure, forcing many to maintain an image they can barely afford.
He recalled making a deliberate decision early on not to be controlled by what people think of his lifestyle.
“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. 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,” he said.
M.I explained that the obsession with perception is not only common among fans but also deeply rooted in Nigerian society, where appearance often overshadows reality. He noted that fame can be extremely fragile for entertainers who try too hard to keep up appearances.
Reflecting on the industry’s past, he added:
“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.”
The rapper’s remarks shed light on the pressures lurking beneath celebrity life pressures that, if not managed, can cost entertainers their peace, finances, and relevance.
“You go broke trying to adjust to people’s expectations…”
– M.I Abaga pic.twitter.com/lAfPjM2IOE
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) November 20, 2025