Renowned Nigerian singer and songwriter, John Ighodaro, popularly known as Johnny Drille, has opened up about how becoming a father has transformed his outlook on life and deepened his appreciation for his parents.
In a recent interview with Dose of Society, the Wait For Me crooner shared heartfelt reflections on fatherhood and its emotional impact. Johnny Drille and his wife, Rima Tahini, welcomed their first child, Amaris Esohe Ighodaro, in November 2023, just a year after tying the knot.
The Mavin Records artist revealed that the experience of raising a child has shifted his priorities, with “family first” now being his guiding principle. He expressed a profound commitment to always being present for his loved ones and spoke fondly of the unwavering support his family — especially his parents — have given him over the years.
“My parents didn’t have much. I remember times when it was really hard and we didn’t have food to eat, but they would always find a way to provide,” he recalled. “They made those tough moments feel like they were normal, even fun. Now that I’m a parent, I understand the sacrifices they made even more.”
Drille shared that one of his deepest aspirations is to care for his parents and give them the opportunity to see and experience the world — a gesture of gratitude for the hardships they endured to give him and his siblings a better life.
“Having a daughter has completely changed my perspective. I now understand what it truly means to nurture and protect someone. It’s made me appreciate my parents in ways I never did before,” he said.
He concluded by reflecting on how profoundly life-changing parenthood is — a journey he believes is often underestimated — and expressed his heartfelt gratitude for having been raised by such loving and devoted parents.
