Nigerian singer and rapper, Lil Kesh, has candidly shared the challenges he faced after rising to fame at a young age, revealing the overwhelming reality of achieving success while still a teenager.

Appearing on The Esther Show, which aired on May 2, 2025, the ‘Shoki’ crooner reflected on his rapid ascent in the Nigerian music scene. Kesh was just 19 when he was signed to his first major label, and by the time he turned 20, he was already a household name thanks to his hit single “Shoki.”

“Making it big early felt overwhelming. I blew at a very tender age. I was 19 when I got signed… and had just turned 20 when I had ‘Shoki.’ So, imagine being in the spotlight that early. I feel like that is not talked about so much,” Lil Kesh confessed.

In a touching moment, he went on to liken his experience to that of global superstars like Justin Bieber, who have spoken about the difficulties of growing up in the public eye.

“Shoutout to people like Justin Bieber who was vulnerable enough to tell his story. I went through things similar to that,” he added. “Coming to the spotlight at a very early age, I was also deprived of a lot of things; life experiences that I should have learned before. I was put in a high position at such an early stage. It was overwhelming trying to handle all of that.”

🧠 Opinion: The Hidden Price of Fame

Lil Kesh’s openness about his early fame provides valuable insight into the pressures that many young stars face, often behind closed doors. The constant attention, the expectations, and the lack of life experiences to fall back on can create a perfect storm of anxiety and confusion.

In the rush to celebrate the success of young stars, we often overlook the emotional and psychological toll it takes on them. Success at such a young age may come with financial rewards and fame, but it can also rob you of simple joys and moments of growth that others get to experience.

It’s refreshing to see Kesh speaking out about the unspoken realities of early fame, and it serves as a reminder that while being young and successful sounds glamorous, it’s not always easy to navigate.

💬 What Are Your Thoughts?

Do you think we place too much pressure on young celebrities, expecting them to have it all together? Let’s discuss how we can better support young stars as they face the challenges that come with fame.

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