“I Trained Myself to Handle Broke Shaming” – M.I Opens Up

 

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Ace Nigerian rapper Jude Abaga, popularly known as M.I, has opened up about how he manages the pressures and expectations that come with celebrity status, revealing the mental strategies he uses to avoid financial pitfalls. 

The rapper, best known for hits like One Naira, said he has trained himself to handle “broke shaming” so that he does not feel compelled to constantly demonstrate wealth or live a flamboyant lifestyle.

Speaking in a recent interview with Chude, M.I explained that many celebrities go broke because they attempt to adjust their lifestyles to meet public expectations. 

According to him, the pressure to impress fans and maintain an image of affluence has historically driven some entertainers to financial ruin.

“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 noted that some fans judge celebrities based on what cars they drive, their fashion choices, or the luxury items they own. For many, such judgments can create a sense of inadequacy, prompting artists to spend beyond their means. 

“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 added.

M.I further highlighted that financial prudence among celebrities is often overlooked because fans assume that all entertainers are wealthy. 

He said he mentally prepared himself to accept criticism and public judgment, understanding that not everyone has the same perspective or resources.

 “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,” he explained.

The rapper’s reflections shed light on the pressures of celebrity life in Nigeria, where public perception and social expectations can heavily influence personal choices. 

By mentally preparing for scrutiny and refusing to overextend himself financially, M.I has maintained both his artistic integrity and financial stability.

He also emphasized that understanding these dynamics early in one’s career is crucial for sustainability in the entertainment industry. Many young artists, he warned, risk financial instability when they allow external pressures to dictate their spending habits.

M.I’s candid insights provide a valuable lesson for upcoming entertainers: balancing public expectations with personal financial health is key to long-term success. 

By accepting criticism and resisting the need to impress at all costs, celebrities can preserve both their wealth and their creative freedom.

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