Afrobeats singer Gabriel Oche Amanyi, widely known as Terry G, has sparked conversations on social media after sharing his thoughts on how poor parental upbringing continues to affect the lives of many Nigerians.
The “Akpako Master,” who is known for his energetic performances and outspoken personality, took to X (formerly Twitter) to discuss the long-term impact of negative parenting practices on children’s self-esteem and mindset.
According to him, the words parents speak to their children, especially words of discouragement and condemnation, often shape how those children see themselves and approach life as adults.
“Our Nigerian parents really do many of us strong thing,” Terry G wrote. “The point I’m making is this: when you come under my post saying you’ll never make it, that’s not really you speaking, it’s the voice of what you grew up hearing at home. When you say, ‘you can’t do this, you can’t do that,’ you’re only repeating what your father and mother told you growing up.”
Terry G further explained that these negative declarations have left many Nigerians “stuck in failure,” unable to break free from the psychological effects of their upbringing. He argued that a child repeatedly told they are worthless or incapable will often grow up believing those words and unconsciously living them out.
“You’ve carried that same energy into adulthood,” he said. “And that’s why many are stuck in failure. It’s time to break that cycle. It’s time to change that mindset.”
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The singer’s post has resonated with thousands of social media users, with many sharing their own experiences of growing up in households where harsh words were common. Some users praised Terry G for shedding light on a subject rarely discussed publicly, especially within African households, where cultural norms often discourage open conversations about parenting styles and mental health.
Experts have long warned about the psychological impact of negative parenting on children. Psychologists note that constant criticism, name-calling, or dismissive attitudes from parents can contribute to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem later in life. Children exposed to such environments may also struggle with decision-making, confidence, and healthy relationships as adults.
Terry G urged Nigerians to take personal responsibility for rewriting their own stories. He encouraged individuals to adopt a growth mindset and to speak positively over their lives, even if they were not raised in supportive environments.
“This is about reclaiming your power,” he implied in his post. “Even if your parents planted negative words, you can plant new ones and speak life into your future.”
Fans have responded with mixed reactions while some applauded his courage for addressing the issue, others argued that parenting challenges in Nigeria are often tied to deeper socio-economic problems, such as poverty and limited access to education.
Terry G’s message comes at a time when more Nigerian celebrities are using their platforms to discuss mental health and emotional well-being. Conversations about trauma, healing, and breaking generational cycles are becoming more mainstream, with many young Nigerians seeking therapy or community support groups to work through the effects of their childhood experiences.
By speaking out, Terry G has contributed to a growing movement encouraging Nigerians to reflect on their upbringing, heal from past emotional wounds, and embrace a more positive outlook on life.
