In an eye-opening revelation, Afrobeats star Spyro, born Oludipe Oluwasanmi David, has shared that he spends a staggering N15 million each year on helping beggars.
This disclosure shines a light on the less glamorous side of celebrity life in Nigeria, where fame comes with its own set of challenges and expectations.
Spyro’s candid confession came with a story of being insulted for not providing immediate financial assistance.
On his Instagram page, he wrote,
“[It’s] really hard being a celebrity in Lagos. I told a guy I didn’t have anything and would see him the next day. He rained insults on me. Every day I step out of my house, I spend a minimum of N100k on gifts. Now let’s do the maths: let’s say I go out three times a week, that’s N300k per week, making N1.2m per month, and that’s about N15 million a year. Kilode.”
This incident underscores the emotional and financial toll fame can exact, particularly in a city like Lagos where the culture of ‘billing’—asking celebrities for money—is deeply ingrained.
Writer’s Opinion
It’s a reminder that behind the music and the stage lights, celebrities like Spyro are also just people, facing pressures that might not be visible to the public eye.
Imagine spending at least N100,000 every time you step out, which Spyro says accumulates to his N15 million yearly expenditure on gifts and aid. This isn’t just about flaunting wealth; it’s about the philanthropy that comes with being in the public eye. Spyro’s actions highlight a broader narrative about how Nigerian celebrities navigate the tightrope between their personal lives and public expectations.
Spyro’s experience isn’t isolated. Many Nigerian celebrities share similar stories of being approached for financial help almost everywhere they go. From social media DMs to street encounters, the pressure is constant. This part of the article could weave in tales from other artists, illustrating how widespread this phenomenon is, and how it shapes the interaction between stars and their fans.
The public’s response to Spyro’s revelation has been varied. While many on social media empathize with the singer, applauding his generosity, others debate the culture of dependency it might foster. It sparks a conversation about societal norms around wealth, charity, and the role celebrities are expected to play in alleviating poverty, even if momentarily.
Conclusion
Spyro’s story is a reminder of the complexities of fame in Nigeria. It questions the responsibilities of celebrities and the cultural expectations placed upon them.
In a country where wealth is often seen as a communal resource, where does one draw the line?
Spyro’s annual charity might inspire change or at least a rethink of how we view the role of public figures in our society.
