Nigerian rapper Panshak Zamani, popularly known as Ice Prince, has opened up about the tough road he navigated as an orphan, sharing his story of resilience and self-reliance. In a candid conversation on the ‘Listen’ podcast, the “Aboki” hitmaker recounted the heartbreaking loss of both parents and the financial hurdles that shaped his life.

“I don’t have a mother or father. I’m an only son. That’s quite tough,” he revealed. Ice Prince lost his father at the tender age of 11, and by the time he was 21, his mother had also passed away. With no immediate family to lean on, he became the backbone of a large extended family, all while struggling to make ends meet.

The rapper shared that he missed out on attending university because he couldn’t raise N20,000—a sum that ultimately cost him an opportunity to further his education. “I had about two weeks to pay that money, but I couldn’t raise it on time,” he said, reflecting on how the lack of resources derailed his academic ambitions.

Despite these hardships, Ice Prince took on menial jobs to fund his education and survive, attributing his success to divine intervention and sheer determination. “I don’t have no uncle, aunty, godfather or godmother that I depend on. It has been nothing but God in my life,” he said.

Encouraging others to draw strength from his journey, he added, “I want people to look at my life and say if I can succeed, then no one has an excuse to fail.”

The Bigger Picture: Resilience Amid Adversity

Ice Prince’s story is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by many young Nigerians who, like him, must rise above overwhelming odds. His testimony underscores the harsh realities of poverty, the gaps in Nigeria’s educational system, and the resilience of the human spirit.

The rapper’s struggle to raise N20,000 for university fees is a stark example of how limited access to education can stifle potential. How many young minds in similar circumstances are denied the chance to realize their dreams because of financial barriers? His story invites us to reflect on the structural inequalities that perpetuate such hardships, even as it inspires hope that success is possible against all odds.

Ice Prince’s resilience is not just a personal victory but a call to action for society to do better. His rise to stardom is a testament to the power of determination, but it also shines a light on the urgent need for better educational policies, accessible scholarships, and social support systems for vulnerable youth.

A Story of Inspiration

In sharing his struggles, Ice Prince offers a message of hope and motivation to countless young people: your background does not define your future. His journey is a reminder that with faith, hard work, and resilience, success is attainable, even in the face of adversity.

So, the question for us all is this: How can we ensure that more young people like Ice Prince don’t have to overcome such insurmountable odds to achieve their potential? What steps can we take to create a society where dreams aren’t deferred by a lack of N20,000?

Readers, let’s keep the conversation going. What lessons can we draw from Ice Prince’s story? How can we collectively create a more supportive environment for underprivileged youth? Share your thoughts!