Ladipoe Shares Thoughts on Money, Relationships, and Providing for Partners
Nigerian rapper Ladipoe has shared his views on the dynamics of money in relationships, stating that men are often expected to provide for their partners. The rapper, who recently appeared as a guest on the Midday Show, discussed the controversial ‘billing culture,’ where men are seen as the primary financial providers in relationships.
When asked about the viral stories online regarding men being unfairly financially burdened by their partners, Ladipoe expressed his doubts about the authenticity of such accounts.
“I really wonder if people are telling the truth with the stories they say online because if you’re with a reasonable person, it usually works itself out. If I invite you to dinner, I’m paying. I don’t understand why there’s even a conversation about it. I feel like I don’t believe people’s stories, I don’t think that they’re true,” he said.
Ladipoe acknowledged that men, by nature, often feel the need to provide in relationships. However, he confessed to being uncertain whether this instinct is a positive or negative aspect of masculinity. He added, “As a guy, there’s this energy that you need to provide. I don’t know if that’s a positive thing or not, a man needs to realise that there’s more beyond just being able to provide but it’s an important characteristic and criteria in a relationship.”
Despite this, he shared a more personal note about his current partner, highlighting how she supports him. According to Ladipoe, his partner is not only a source of emotional support, but she also gives him things just because, which has motivated him to reciprocate by providing for her.
“Except for my mum or an aunty or family, no woman has ever sent me money. There was this one time when my big cousin sent me 60 dollars, I was in college at the time. That’s the one time I can probably remember, asides my mum, no girl,” he said.
The rapper went on to explain that his partner’s thoughtful gestures have made him want to do even more for her. “That’s why I’m with the person I’m with, she gives me things ‘just because.’ She pours into me as well, and that’s what drives me to say I want to provide for this person, but nobody wants to be taken advantage of.”
Ladipoe’s reflection on money, relationships, and gender expectations provides a nuanced perspective on the evolving dynamics between men and women in Nigerian relationships, particularly when it comes to the act of providing and giving.
