Nigerian hip-hop sensation Erhiga Agarivbie, popularly known as Erigga, has shared a poignant narrative of his challenging journey to success and the unexpected familial entitlement he now faces in the wake of his wealth. In a revelation on the latest episode of the Spill With Phyna podcast, Erigga disclosed the struggles he faced growing up and the unanticipated demands from a father who was absent during his formative years.
The Warri-born rapper expressed deep frustration over his father’s newfound expectations, emphasizing that the same paternal figure who played no role in his upbringing is now asserting entitlement to his wealth. Erigga lamented, “When you see parents start feeling entitled, it doesn’t make sense because you had many years ahead of me, why didn’t you make it before me?”
Recounting his early life, Erigga revealed that he left home at the tender age of eight, navigating the harsh realities of the streets and fending for himself. He faced numerous challenges, engaged in activities he can’t disclose on camera, and reflected on the potential consequences of the risky path he traversed.
Despite the adversity, Erigga’s love for music became a guiding light, propelling him toward his dreams. However, as success found him, familial expectations arose. “I’ve to start raising myself at the age of 8. I started living with my friends and learning bad habits. But then again, I fell in love with music at a very tender age so I knew where I wanted to be regardless of where I was,” he shared.
Erigga confronted the dilemma of family members, including stepbrothers, urging him to forgive their shared father, claiming he wasn’t responsible for them either. He underscored that these conversations only arose due to his celebrity status, adding, “But at the end of the day, they are only having the conversation with me because I am who I am.“