Oluwatosin Enesi
Nigerian music sensation, Divine Ikubor, professionally known as Rema, has opened up about how achieving financial independence shifted his place within his family dynamic, shedding light on a common cultural experience shared by many young Nigerians.
Speaking candidly, the artist recounted how his opinions were often dismissed during his early years, simply because he was the youngest in the household. “Before I made it with music, I was just the youngest in the house. My opinions didn’t really count,” Rema said. “You know how Nigerian parents are — they love you, but they believe children should stay in their place.”
However, things began to change once Rema started earning an income and contributing financially at home. “The moment I started contributing, even just small, the whole vibe shifted,” he explained. “Suddenly, I wasn’t ‘too young’ to talk. They started listening more, respecting my decisions, even asking for my thoughts.”
Rema believes this transformation goes beyond money, pointing instead to the cultural value Nigerians place on effort and responsibility. “It’s not just about the money — it’s about showing that you’re serious,” he said.
The star’s reflections offer a glimpse into a broader societal norm in Nigeria, where familial respect is often earned through active participation in the household’s financial or practical responsibilities — regardless of age or birth order.
“If you’re helping the family, they won’t chastise you like before,” Rema concluded. “Even if you’re the last born, money and responsibility will make them see you in a new light.”
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