Nigerian rapper Phyno recently reflected on the challenges his generation faced growing up, highlighting a lack of support for creative talents from their parents. Speaking candidly, Phyno expressed that many parents in his era prioritized conventional career paths over nurturing their children’s artistic or unconventional abilities.
He noted that societal pressures and a focus on academic achievements often overshadowed recognition of talents in areas like music, sports, or the arts. This, according to Phyno, left many gifted individuals without the encouragement needed to explore or develop their passions fully.
Despite these challenges, Phyno has risen to prominence in the Nigerian music scene, proving the value of perseverance and self-belief. His remarks shed light on the evolving perspective toward creative careers in contemporary society, where younger generations are increasingly celebrated and supported in their pursuits beyond traditional norms.
In a heartfelt conversation on the In My Opinion podcast, award-winning musician Phyno opened up about the generational shift in attitudes toward supporting children’s talents. Reflecting on his journey, the rapper revealed that his parents were initially unsupportive of his musical aspirations. “My parents didn’t support my career when I first started. It’s different now,” Phyno shared, contrasting his upbringing with today’s more encouraging environment.
He recounted how, in the past, children pursuing passions like music or sports were often met with resistance and even punishment. “When parents came home and saw you playing ball, they’d beat you, seize the ball, and give you punishment,” he said. In contrast, Phyno praised today’s parents for recognizing and fostering their children’s unique gifts, whether in the arts, sports, or other fields. “Now, any father who sees his son can play ball, enrols him in an academy. Some, at 1 year old, already buy a ball and say you must play like Neymar,” he explained.
Phyno also acknowledged the practical reasons behind the skepticism of older generations. “I don’t blame my parents,” he said, adding that the financial prospects in music and creative careers were far less appealing in their time. “They saw people who did music back then as useless—people who just wanted to carry dreadlocks and walk around. But now, everyone sees talent as a gift to be shared with the world.”
The rapper concluded with appreciation for the cultural shift, commending the current generation of parents for nurturing creativity and providing opportunities that were less common in his youth.
