Timi Dakolo Speaks Out: “Men Are Tired of the Weight of Providing”

Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has opened up about the emotional and financial burdens placed on men, lamenting that society expects them to provide without complaint while denying them the right to show vulnerability.

Appearing on a recent podcast, Dakolo reflected on the unrealistic expectations men face to always appear strong. According to him, men are often encouraged to speak up, but when they do and emotions surface, they are quickly labeled as weak.

“They say make we talk, but when we talk and tears fall, they say we be weak,” he said.

He questioned why little attention is given to the emotional well-being of the person everyone leans on. “Who helps the person that helps everybody?” he asked, noting that many assume a provider already has support simply because he seems strong.

Dakolo added that beyond rent, school fees, and daily needs, men also battle internal fears and insecurities often suppressing them to avoid being seen as fragile.

Despite the strain, he shared that small gestures of appreciation make the effort worthwhile. He recounted how his daughter recently called him “the best guy” after he sent her money for a school trip, describing her joy as reward enough.

He encouraged men to talk more openly with one another and urged women to listen even to the things men struggle to say aloud.