Men face financial pressure from family amid little room to express vulnerability – Timi Dakolo

Timi Dakolo, a top Nigerian singer opened up on what men face in providing money for the family, saying society expects men to provide without complaint while offering little room for them to express vulnerability.

In a recent podcast, Beyond with Ezinne, Dakolo said men are often encouraged to speak up about their struggles, but are judged when they do.

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“They say make we talk, but when we talk and tears fall, they say we be weak,” he said.
He questioned why people rarely think about the emotional needs of the person who supports everyone else.

“Who helps the person that helps everybody?” he asked.

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According to Dakolo, many assume that a man who provides already has support simply because he appears strong.

He added that aside from paying rent, school fees, and handling daily responsibilities, men also deal with fear and insecurity but often hide it to avoid being seen as weak.

He said that despite the pressure, moments of appreciation can make the effort feel worthwhile. He recalled how his daughter recently called him “the best guy” after he sent her money for a school trip, describing her reaction as enough motivation to keep going.

Dakolo ended by encouraging men to speak more openly with one another and urged women to listen, even when men struggle to express what they are going through.

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