Nigerian rapper Lil Kesh has shared an honest reflection on the challenges he faced after achieving fame at a young age. Speaking during a recent interview on The Esther Show, the 30-year-old artist opened up about how his rapid rise to stardom left him with little room for personal growth and life experiences.
Lil Kesh, whose real name is Keshinro Ololade, rose to prominence at just 19 years old when he was signed to YBNL. His breakout single “Shoki” catapulted him into the limelight in 2014, just a year after he signed his record deal.
Looking back, Kesh admitted that the sudden success at such a young age was overwhelming. He explained that while his career took off quickly, he was deprived of opportunities to “grow and learn intelligently” before being thrust into the spotlight.
“I blew at a very tender age. I was 19 when I got signed. I just turned 20 when I had Shoki,” Kesh said. “Battling the limelight at that age… it was overwhelming. I feel like that’s not really talked about too much. But shout out to people like Justin Bieber who were vulnerable enough to share their story.”
Kesh compared his experience to that of international stars like Bieber, noting that both of them faced similar struggles with fame at a young age. He expressed regret over missing out on crucial life experiences, including the fun and freedom that many people his age were able to enjoy.
“A lot of life experiences I could have learned before I was put into this position,” he continued. “There was so much fun I could have had. It was overwhelming blowing up at that time, and also trying to maintain the brand over the years. I wish I had learned so much before I was given what I had. Growth and intelligence overall.”
Born and raised in Bariga, Lil Kesh began his musical journey in 2012, rapping with local peers before making it big. His quick rise to fame, thanks to Shoki, changed his life, but as he reflects now, it also came with its own set of challenges.
