Spyro Reflects on the Challenges of Growing Up as a Pastor’s Child
Nigerian artist Spyro recently opened up about his experiences growing up in a pastor’s household, describing it as one of the toughest periods of his life.
During an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Spyro recounted the difficulties of his childhood, which was marked by a strict religious environment. He explained that his upbringing involved mandatory Bible study, daily morning devotions, and a rigorous schedule that often felt like he was being forced to love God.
“My father is a pastor, and growing up under his roof was anything but easy,” Spyro shared, laughing as he recalled the memories. “Church attendance was non-negotiable, and it felt like loving God wasn’t a choice—it was a command. We had to study the Bible from cover to cover, whether we wanted to or not.”
One of the most challenging aspects, he revealed, was the early morning devotion, which would begin just as sleep was at its deepest. “It made me resent the idea of God at times because it felt like He was the one disrupting my life,” he admitted.
Spyro also spoke about how this strict upbringing made him view university as an escape. “When I finally got into university, it felt like freedom. I didn’t go home for about four years because I wanted to break free from that routine,” he said. “I was grateful for the opportunity and didn’t look back.”
Despite the difficulties, Spyro acknowledged the lasting impact of his religious upbringing. He admitted that while he didn’t always appreciate the approach, it instilled a strong sense of the fear of God in him. “Even though I didn’t like the way it was done, that fear of God stayed with me. Throughout university, I remained grounded—not because of my parents, but because I knew God was watching. To this day, I don’t smoke, drink, or engage in certain behaviors, and I credit that to the fear of God that was instilled in me.”
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