Afrobeats singer, Oludipe Oluwasanmi David, better known as Spyro, has opened up about the immense pressure he faces as a public figure, particularly when it comes to the constant demands for financial assistance from beggars and fans. In a candid revelation, the artist disclosed that he spends over N15 million annually on helping others, a sum that highlights the extent of the financial burden he faces in his daily life.
Spyro, who is best known for his hit single “Who’s Your Guy?”, took to his Instagram page to share his frustration with his followers, emphasizing the challenges of being a celebrity, especially in a city like Lagos. According to Spyro, people often approach him for money both online and in person, but he claims that these requests are rarely met with any form of reciprocity.
The singer explained that despite his frequent acts of generosity, he still faces criticism when he’s unable to assist someone at a particular moment. He recalled a particularly bitter incident where a stranger, whom he had politely told he couldn’t help at that time, responded by hurling insults at him. This experience, he said, left him feeling disheartened, as it showcased the level of entitlement some people feel towards celebrities and their wealth.
In his post, Spyro gave a detailed breakdown of his annual spending on gifts and donations, which he claims amounts to a substantial sum. He wrote:
“[It’s] really hard being a celebrity in Lagos. I told a guy I didn’t have anything and would see him the next day. He rained insults on me. Every day I step out of my house, I spend a minimum of N100k on gifts. Now let’s do the maths: let’s say I go out three times a week, that’s N300k per week, making N1.2m per month, and that’s about N15 million a year. Kilode?”
Spyro’s revelation has sparked a wave of reactions from fans and fellow celebrities alike, with many empathizing with the pressures that come with fame. His candid post sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles faced by public figures who are constantly expected to give, regardless of their personal circumstances or financial limits.
While some applauded Spyro for his transparency, others acknowledged that while celebrities enjoy privileges, they are still human and should not be expected to meet every demand that comes their way. This post has reignited a conversation about the expectations placed on celebrities and the fine line between genuine assistance and exploitation. Spyro’s honesty serves as a reminder that, even in the limelight, the generosity of celebrities should not be taken for granted or misused.
