Nigerian singer and songwriter, Panshak Zamani, popularly known as Ice Prince, has opened up about the challenges he faced growing up as an orphan, which significantly impacted his education.
In a recent episode of the Listen podcast, the “Aboki” crooner revealed that he lost his father at the age of 11 and his mother at 21, leaving him without immediate family support.
He explained that his financial struggles forced him to miss out on opportunities, including a university admission he forfeited because he couldn’t raise N20,000 in time.
“I don’t have a mother or father. I’m an only son. That’s quite tough. I was eleven years old when I lost my dad. I was about 21 or 22 when my mum passed away. And I have a huge family that depends on me,” Ice Prince said.
The rapper, known for his hit songs and lyrical storytelling, also recounted how he worked various low-paying jobs to make ends meet, often struggling to pay school fees.
He added that he missed weeks of school each term due to financial constraints.
“I want people to look at my life and say if I can succeed, then no one has an excuse to fail. I was the guy that spent at least three weeks at home every term because of school fees. I didn’t go to the University because of N20,000. I had about two weeks to pay that money, but I couldn’t raise it on time. That was how I lost the admission,” he revealed.
Despite these challenges, Ice Prince credited his success to God, emphasizing that he had no extended family or godparents to lean on during tough times.
He encouraged others to persevere regardless of their circumstances, using his story as an inspiration for those facing similar struggles.
The singer’s candid revelation highlights the resilience that has marked his rise to fame, proving that hard work and faith can overcome even the most difficult beginnings.