Nigerian rapper Phyno, known for his award-winning music and candid views, recently shared his thoughts on the growing trend of sending elderly parents to retirement homes abroad. In a discussion on a popular podcast, the rapper expressed his strong opposition to the practice, emphasizing cultural differences between Africa and the Western world in how elderly parents are cared for.
Phyno, whose full name is Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, made it clear that, from his perspective, it is not acceptable to place elderly parents in retirement homes in African cultures. “We don’t put our dads in retirement homes in Africa. I know where I come from, and I know how we treat our fathers,” he stated. According to the rapper, this practice is not aligned with the traditional values of respect and care for parents that are central to many African communities.
Speaking further, Phyno stressed that even if he were living abroad, he would never consider sending his father to a retirement facility. “I wouldn’t put my dad in a retirement home, even if he was here (abroad). I would rather find a way around it,” he said. This comment reflects the deep familial ties that Phyno believes are an integral part of African culture, where caring for elderly parents is seen as a responsibility rather than a burden.
The rapper also highlighted the financial aspect of such decisions, noting that in the Western world, families often pay substantial fees to place their elderly relatives in care facilities. “Here in the Western world, when you put your dads in retirement homes, you pay for it, right?” Phyno observed. However, he argued that in Africa, the focus is on ensuring that elderly parents are cared for at home, with the help of paid caregivers, rather than being placed in a facility with strangers.
Phyno’s comments resonated with many listeners, especially those from African backgrounds, who share his view that it is important to keep parents within the family unit during their later years. For many Africans, the idea of putting parents in a retirement home is seen as a break from tradition and a departure from the values of intergenerational living and care.
In addition to expressing his personal stance, Phyno also touched on the broader cultural implications of this issue. He emphasized that, in his view, the practice of sending elderly parents abroad to retirement homes is unlikely to gain acceptance in African communities. “That’s not how it works, and it never will,” he concluded, underscoring his belief that cultural norms surrounding family care are unlikely to change in the near future.
