In a recent interview, Tife Balogun, the eldest son of Nigerian music superstar Wizkid, candidly shared his experiences growing up under the shadow of his father’s fame. While many might envy the life of a celebrity’s child, Tife’s story reveals a more nuanced reality.
“Life as Wizkid’s son is beautiful but a little bit boring,” Tife admitted. He described a world where he is treated like royalty by peers and adults alike. “Everyone treats me like a king,” he said. This preferential treatment extends even to his school life. “If I get into an argument with a classmate, someone will just mention that I’m Wizkid’s son, and the classmate will start apologizing,” Tife explained. The influence of his father’s fame even affects disciplinary measures. “If my teacher is punishing pupils for not doing their assignments, he skips me,” he revealed.
This constant deference has its downsides. “Everyone wants to be my friend in school,” Tife noted, hinting at the challenge of discerning genuine friendships from those based on his father’s status. This imbalance leaves him feeling unfulfilled. “I feel like my life is one-sided because I don’t get to experience the bitter part of it,” he reflected.
In search of a more balanced experience, Tife expressed a desire to attend a school where he wouldn’t be recognized as Wizkid’s son. “I’ve asked my mom to put me in a school where nobody knows my dad, but she says it’s impossible,” he shared. Despite his wishes, Tife acknowledges the unavoidable reality of his father’s superstar status.
Tife’s revelations provide a glimpse into the complexities of growing up in the spotlight, highlighting that privilege can come with its own set of challenges.