Adulthood is a Scam!

Adulthood is a Scam: Where is the Refund?

There is a comment I saw on Facebook that had me nodding aggressively in agreement. A Nigerian lady said, "When I had to pay my bills for the first time, I wished I could enter my mama’s belle. Small pikin is the luckiest human being in this world. Just stay at home and watch Peppa Pig. Adulthood is a bloody nightmare. Happy Mother’s Day to me and all moms out there."

First of all, she did not lie. Not even a little bit. Right now, in Nigeria, they are celebrating Mother’s Day, but here in South Africa? Nope, we are waiting until May. However, this post hit me so hard that I had to sit down and reflect—on life, on bills, on why I was ever in a rush to grow up.

Let me tell you, children are the VIP members of society. They just cry, and boom—food appears. They throw a tantrum, and suddenly, they have new toys, snacks, and someone rocking them to sleep. Meanwhile, here I am, a full-grown human being, applying for jobs like it’s my full-time career, refreshing my emails every five minutes, hoping for an interview invitation. At this point, even a rejection email would be better than the silence.

See, I’m on a gap year. Not by choice, oh no. Life simply said, “You don’t have the money for school? Sit down.” And so, here I am, sitting. I had grand plans, but those plans required rands, and my bank account looked me in the eyes and said, “What plans? We don’t know them.”

And the worst part? The dependency.

Relying on my parents for everything is painful. It burns. I need money, but I have none. I want something, but I can’t buy it unless my parents decide to bless me. And let me tell you, their version of financial blessings is not the one from heaven above. It's the one where they hand you just enough to survive, not thrive.

The struggle is so real that my entire life is now money-themed. My WhatsApp wallpaper? A bundle of money. My lock screen? Money. My home screen? Also money. My music playlist? Nothing but songs about wealth. Money, Money, Money by ABBA? On repeat. She Works Hard for the Money? Absolutely. I Wanna Be Rich? Say no more.

At this point, I’m beyond desperate. I’m money-starved. Everything I want to do requires money, and the economy is looking at me like, "Good luck with that." But you know what? There’s still hope for the living, right? The power of the tongue, right?

Until then, I’ll be here, applying for jobs, surviving off my parents, and side-eyeing every baby that gets handed a bottle while I stress over adulthood.

Children, you don’t know how good you have it. Stay where you are. Don’t grow up. It’s a scam. 💯

Key words:

Belle: tummy

Pikin: kid, child, offspring 

Reflecting on Whitney Houston’s Moscow Concert (December 9, 2009)

Reflecting on Whitney Houston’s Moscow Concert (December 9, 2009)

Whitney Houston—an icon, a powerhouse, a legend. Watching her 2009 Moscow concert, I couldn’t help but reflect on her journey, her struggles, and the undeniable talent that never truly faded. Despite the decline in her voice, Whitney still had it. That signature tone, that raw emotion—it was all there.

The Setlist: A Medley of Classics

The concert featured a medley of her greatest hits: The Greatest Love of All, All at Once, and Saving All My Love for You. She poured her soul into those songs, proving that even after years of personal battles, her voice still carried the weight of her artistry.

The Reality of the Music Industry

Whitney had been through rehab and came out in 2004, but instead of taking a well-deserved break, she was back on stage. I truly wish she had been given time to rest her vocal cords, to heal. But she was under contract, tied to Clive Davis and her record label. And let’s be honest—record labels are about money. Whitney had obligations: albums to release, tours to complete, and concerts to perform. It wasn’t just passion; it was business. A contract like that? It felt like a lifetime commitment, and I wish she had reconsidered signing it in the first place.

Could Things Have Been Different?

There are so many “what ifs.” What if she had said no? What if her mother had stopped her from signing that contract? Would she still have been the legend we know today, but with a different fate? The deal made her a global star, but it also locked her into an industry that, at times, felt merciless.

Whitney’s Final Years and the 2009 Resurgence

Some say she was still great in 2008, but for me, 2009 was something special. Watching this Moscow concert, I could see the spark. She was fighting to reclaim her legacy. It wasn’t perfect, but it was powerful. And then, well—things spiraled again. The circumstances surrounding her passing? Suspicious. I don’t believe the official story entirely. There was more to it, and deep down, I feel like those around her played a bigger role than we were told.

The Lessons She Left Behind

Whitney was a Type B for F, which means she should have relaxed her muscles, eaten healthier, and maintained better habits. If she had, her voice could have regained its 90s strength. But that’s the thing—talent like hers doesn’t just disappear. Even in decline, she was still one of the greatest vocalists of all time.

Final Thoughts

This is my reflection on Whitney Houston’s Moscow concert—my thoughts on December 9, 2009. And, fun fact? That was on my birthday🎂. So, watching this, knowing it happened on my special day, made it even more emotional. 🥺

Whitney, you were truly one of a kind. And no matter what, your voice, your legacy, and your spirit live on.

Disclaimer:

I do not own any of these pictures. These pictures are used for educational purposes only!