Controversial Afrobeats musician, Seun Kuti, has spoken candidly about how growing up in poverty shapes the mindset of many Nigerians who are keen on travelling abroad.
He said, “Most of these FC are poor. They are poor children who grew up in poor homes. I cannot blame you because if you grew up in a poor home in Nigeria, there is no way your brain is fully formed.”
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Seun pointed out that the strongest example of those influenced by this upbringing are people who believe in “japa”, the urge to flee the country for better opportunities abroad. “The biggest example of people who grew up in poor homes is the people who believe in Japa. If you believe in japa, it’s because you grew up in a poor home. There’s nobody who grew up in a better house who will japa. You can travel and come back.”
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He also highlighted how poor nutrition and harsh treatment, like physical beatings, negatively affect brain development, reinforcing the cycle of poverty and limiting perspectives.
