Nigerian rapper and singer, Lil Kesh, has sparked conversations about love, relationships, and societal expectations following his candid revelations about his personal life and his views on marriage.
The “Shoki” crooner, born Keshinro Ololade, shared his thoughts during a recent appearance on the Esther Show, where he discussed why he’s currently single and why marriage isn’t part of his plans—at least for now.
“I’ve Been Single for a Long Time”
Lil Kesh, who rose to prominence in the mid-2010s with hit songs like “Efejoku” and “Is It Because I Love You,” began by revealing that he has been without a romantic partner for a significant period. According to him, ending his last relationship was a deliberate decision aimed at focusing fully on his career and personal growth.
“I’m currently single. I have been single for a long time,” Kesh said during the interview. “I broke up with my last girlfriend because I figured out that I could do better on my own. At the time, my career and other priorities needed all my attention.”
Kesh emphasized that since ending that relationship, he has not found himself in a mental or emotional space where he could maintain a romantic connection while pursuing his ambitions.
“Ever since then, I’ve not been able to find myself in a space where I could juggle both—being in a relationship and chasing my goals,” he explained.
Not Actively Looking for Love
Despite his single status, the 31-year-old musician isn’t in a rush to start dating again. He admitted that although he’s open to meeting someone special, he isn’t actively searching or putting effort into dating.
“It would be nice to find someone who would make me want to compromise. But right now, I’m not intentional about dating,” he noted. “If I’m going to date someone, I need to make time for them. That’s a level of responsibility I’m not ready to take on.”
Kesh said that age and maturity have made him more aware of the realities of maintaining a serious relationship. But unlike many Nigerian men in their 30s, the rapper said he’s grateful that his parents are not pressuring him to get married.
“Luckily, my parents are not on my case about marriage. They’ve made peace with the fact that I am different,” he said.
“I Don’t Believe in Marriage… They Don’t Work”
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing moment of the interview was Lil Kesh’s blunt take on marriage. The YAGI Records boss made it clear that, while he is not completely ruling out the institution, he currently sees little value in it—largely due to the rising number of failed marriages.
“Marriage? Maybe later. But for now, I’m not of that mindset,” Kesh declared. “It’s not that I want to stay single to be free or play around—I just don’t believe in marriage. They don’t work.”
He continued by citing real-life examples of unhappy marriages as the reason for his skepticism.
“Have you seen the rate of divorces these days? I’ve seen a lot of couples who are clearly unhappy, just managing to stay together. That’s not the kind of life I want,” he said.
However, he was quick to acknowledge that happy marriages do exist, but insisted that he does not yet feel equipped to create such an environment.
“That doesn’t mean there are no happy marriages out there,” he added. “But personally, I want a happy home. And I don’t think I can give that to anyone right now. I’m not going to jeopardize someone else’s peace and happiness just because I feel pressured to settle down.”
No Baby Mamas, No Quick Fixes
The singer, who once dominated the Nigerian music scene with his energetic street anthems, also addressed the idea of fatherhood without commitment—a concept common among many celebrities. But Lil Kesh made it clear that he has no intention of fathering a child outside of a stable relationship.
“I’m not going to intentionally make anyone my baby mama,” he stated. “I’m also not going to ‘wife’ anybody anytime soon. It has to be right. I won’t fake something I don’t believe in.”
Fans React
Lil Kesh’s remarks have elicited mixed reactions from fans online. While some applauded his honesty and maturity, others criticized his views as being too cynical. On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote:
“At least he’s being honest. A lot of men marry because of pressure and end up cheating or being emotionally unavailable.”
Another commenter on Instagram noted:
“Marriage might not be perfect, but saying it doesn’t work at all is too harsh. It’s about effort and the right partner.”
Despite the criticism, many fans praised Lil Kesh for prioritizing his mental health, goals, and personal peace.
Career in Focus
Meanwhile, Lil Kesh continues to stay active in the music industry. Although he has been relatively quiet in recent years, he hinted during the interview that new projects are underway. Fans are hoping for a comeback to the top of the charts from the rapper who once delivered viral bangers back-to-back.
“I’ve been in the studio working. I believe in timing. When it’s time, the music will speak,” he said.
