Afrobeats star Terry G, also known as the Akpako Master, has shared his thoughts on how poor parental upbringing has affected many Nigerians. According to the singer, the negative words and declarations made by parents to their children often shape their self-esteem, even into adulthood.
Taking to his X account, Terry G explained that many people who struggle in life today are unknowingly carrying the weight of words they heard while growing up. He said when people say things like “you’ll never make it” or “you can’t do this,” it usually isn’t their own voice — it’s the echo of their parents’ harsh words.
“Our Nigerian parents really do many of us strong thing,” he wrote. “When you tell yourself you can’t make it, that’s not really you speaking. That’s the voice of what you grew up hearing at home.”
Our Nigerian parents really do many of us strong thing . The point I’m making is this :when you come under my post saying you’ll never make it 😆 that’s not really you speaking,it’s the voice of what you grew up hearing at home. When you say “you can’t do this, you can’t do that…
— Terry G 🔔 (@IamTerryg) 10 months ago
The singer further explained that such upbringing has left many individuals “stuck in failure,” battling low confidence and a defeated mindset. For Terry G, the way forward is to break the cycle of negativity by embracing a positive outlook and believing in one’s own potential.
“It’s time to break that cycle. It’s time to change that mindset,” he added.
Fans have praised the artist for speaking on a sensitive but relatable topic. Many agreed that African parents, while strict and hardworking, often fail to realize the long-term impact of their words on their children’s mental health and future.
By urging Nigerians to rise above toxic experiences and create new patterns for the next generation, Terry G has sparked a conversation beyond music — one about healing, growth, and self-belief.
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