- Richie chose music at 17 instead of pursuing medicine
- His mother supported him despite heavy criticism
- Critics claimed he was wasting his future and intelligence
In an interview on Changes with Roselyn Felli on Joy Prime, Richie explained that after completing senior high school, many expected him to study medicine. However, he chose to follow his passion for music—with his mother’s unwavering support.
“I was 17 when I started this journey. After high school, I sat down with my mum and told her I wanted to pursue music. It shocked a lot of people because everyone assumed I’d go to medical school,” he said.
Richie gave himself a year to explore music and even set up a studio during that time. His mother, seeing his commitment and progress, stood by him despite widespread criticism.
“People insulted her, saying she was letting me waste my intelligence and future. They questioned why I would choose music over medicine,” he recalled.
This early experience of doubt and criticism inspired his hit song ‘Yaro’, which speaks to the skepticism he faced at the start of his career.
“When I dropped my first track, many didn’t believe I’d succeed. But I eventually proved them wrong. ‘Yaro’ means ‘small boy’ in Hausa. I was saying, ‘They call me a small boy, but they can’t compete with the small boy,’” he explained.
Richie added that the song is meant to encourage young people to defy expectations and not let age or unconventional dreams hold them back.
