Renowned Nigerian hip-hop artist, Erhiga Agarivbie, popularly known as Erigga, has opened up about the challenges he faced growing up, revealing that despite having to fend for himself from the tender age of eight, his estranged father now feels entitled to share in his success.
Erigga, hailing from Warri, poured out his heartfelt sentiments during the latest episode of the Spill With Phyna podcast, shedding light on the complex dynamics of family relationships and the unexpected demands that success can bring.
In a candid revelation, Erigga expressed his disappointment in his father’s sudden interest in his life after achieving success.
Despite being absent during crucial formative years, his father began reaching out, making demands that Erigga found both perplexing and frustrating.
“When you see parents start feeling entitled, it doesn’t make sense because you had many years ahead of me, why didn’t you make it before me? People don’t really address this entitlement mentality in Africa,” Erigga articulated, his words reflecting the societal challenges many individuals face when navigating newfound success.
Erigga’s journey to success was no cakewalk. Abandoning home at the tender age of eight, he faced the harsh realities of life on the streets, involving himself in activities that, even now, he hesitates to detail.
The artist reflected on the perilous path he tread, wondering aloud about the potential consequences of the choices he made at such a young age.
“I’ve to start raising myself at the age of 8. I started living with my friends and learning bad habits. But then again, I fell in love with music at a very tender age, so I knew where I wanted to be regardless of where I was,” Erigga shared, highlighting the pivotal role music played in steering him away from a potentially perilous life.
Despite overcoming the odds and transforming into the acclaimed artist Erigga, the rapper faced yet another challenge – familial expectations.
His father, who was conspicuously absent during Erigga’s tumultuous upbringing, suddenly emerged with expectations and demands, prompting Erigga to question the validity of such claims.
“All my stepbrothers started begging me to forgive our dad, saying he wasn’t also responsible to them. But at the end of the day, they are only having the conversation with me because I am who I am,” Erigga recounted, shedding light on the intricate web of family dynamics and the disparities in expectations within his own household.
As Erigga navigates the delicate balance between newfound success and familial responsibilities, his story resonates with many who grapple with the complexities of family ties and the unforeseen challenges that success may bring.
The Spill With Phyna podcast episode offers a poignant glimpse into Erigga’s life, highlighting not only his triumphs in the music industry but also the profound personal journey that shaped the man behind the music.
