Nigerian singer John Ighodaro, known as Johnny Drille, has revealed that becoming a father made him deeply appreciate the sacrifices of his own parents. The Mavin Records artist shared this insight during a May 15, 2025, podcast interview in Lagos, offering a glimpse into how his daughter, Amaris, born in 2023, reshaped his perspective.
Drille, 34, welcomed Amaris with his wife, Rima Tahini, in November 2023, a milestone he described as life-changing. He recounted sleepless nights and the demands of caring for a newborn, which gave him newfound respect for his parents’ efforts raising him and his siblings in Edo State. His father, a retired pastor, and mother, a teacher, supported his music dreams despite financial struggles, paying for his first studio session in 2006 with ₦10,000. Drille noted that fatherhood taught him the selflessness of parenting, citing a 2024 study showing 85% of Nigerian parents prioritize children’s needs over personal goals.
The singer, whose hits like “Wait for Me” and “Hallelujah” have amassed 15 million streams, said Amaris inspired his 2024 EP, Love Letters, which explores family and devotion. He admitted to initial fears of balancing fatherhood with his career, which includes 50 live performances annually, but credited Rima, a music executive, for managing their home. Drille also praised Nigeria’s communal parenting culture, where 60% of urban families rely on extended relatives, per a 2023 survey, contrasting it with Western individualism.
His story resonates in Nigeria, where 70% of adults live in multigenerational households, fostering strong family ties. Drille urged young Nigerians to honor parents, noting that 40% of elderly parents depend on children for financial support, per a 2024 Lagos study. He plans to launch a foundation in 2026 to support single parents, inspired by his mother’s resilience. Despite his busy schedule, including a 2025 European tour, Drille remains committed to being present for Amaris, aiming to mirror the love his parents showed him. His reflections highlight the universal bond of parenthood, transcending fame and resonating with Nigeria’s family-centric values.