Nigerian rapper Phyno has praised the current generation of parents for being more supportive of their children’s talents, especially in music and sports, contrasting it with the less encouraging attitude of the previous generation.
Speaking during a recent interview on the In My Opinion Podcast, the award-winning rapper shared his personal experience, revealing that his parents initially did not support his decision to pursue music. Reflecting on the past, Phyno said, “My parents didn’t support my career when I first started. It’s different now.”
The rapper, whose real name is Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, pointed out how the mindset has shifted over the years. “I think the generation after my parents understands what it means to support their children’s talent,” he explained. “They know that there is something special about a child who loves music, or a child who loves to play ball.”
Phyno drew a stark comparison between his generation and today’s parents, recounting how kids in the past were often punished for pursuing their passions. “Back then, when parents came home and saw you playing ball, they’d beat you, seize the ball, and give you punishment,” he laughed, emphasizing the harsh attitude that discouraged creativity.
In contrast, Phyno celebrated the new era of parents who encourage their children’s interests, regardless of whether those interests lie in music, sports, or other creative fields. “Now, if a father sees his son can play ball, he enrols him in an academy. Some parents even buy their kids a ball at age 1 and say, ‘You must play ball like Neymar,’” he said, admiring the proactive and nurturing approach many modern parents take.
Phyno also acknowledged the evolution of the music industry, noting that in his parents’ time, the value of a music career wasn’t as apparent. “I don’t blame my parents,” he said. “I’m sure the money in music now was never there back then. They looked at people doing music as… well, people who were just wandering around with dreadlocks, not really doing anything serious.”
But today, the perception has changed, with the music industry now recognized as a legitimate and lucrative career path. “Now, everyone sees music as a talent, a gift to be shared with the world,” He concluded. “And shout-out to this era of parents for understanding that.”
