Nigerian singer Spyro has sparked a fiery conversation on social media after boldly calling out the wealthy, especially billionaires, for what he described as a disturbing sense of entitlement when it comes to paying for services. The “Who’s Your Guy” crooner didn’t mince words as he accused the rich of being the biggest culprits when it comes to dodging payments, despite their extravagant spending on luxury and pleasures.

“The people that owe the most are the rich… always wanting free things, especially your so-called billionaires,” Spyro said in a blunt post that quickly went viral across Instagram and Twitter. According to the artist, while these individuals may spend “hundreds of millions on women,” they suddenly become stingy and evasive when it’s time to compensate people for actual services rendered.

The statement has triggered a flurry of reactions, with many nodding in agreement while others defend the wealthy, claiming the generalization may be unfair. But for Spyro, the message is personal. He made it clear he wouldn’t tolerate such behavior from anyone attempting to undervalue his craft.

“Sha don’t bring it near me o,” he warned. “I worked really hard to be here and I ain’t poor, so if you want my services you pay my price. #SIMPLE.”

The singer’s message, though rooted in his experience as an entertainer, resonates far beyond the music industry. It touches a nerve for creatives, service providers, and entrepreneurs who often find themselves chasing wealthy clients for payments long overdue—or worse, having to defend their worth to people who have more than enough means to pay, but expect free treatment in exchange for “exposure” or association.

Spyro's frustration reflects a long-standing complaint in the entertainment and business sectors, particularly in Nigeria where hierarchy and status often influence how professionals are treated. Many up-and-coming artists, stylists, photographers, designers, and even tech workers have shared horror stories of being ghosted or shortchanged by high-net-worth individuals who flaunt their riches on social media but suddenly develop selective amnesia when the invoice is due.

What makes Spyro’s outburst even more striking is his candor. Unlike others who might shy away from ruffling feathers, the singer directly called out billionaires—those often revered and feared in the same breath. These are the individuals who dominate the front rows of fashion shows, pop champagne at luxury clubs, and sponsor entire events, yet behind closed doors may be notorious for not paying creatives or undercutting them with promises of future gigs.

Fans and industry colleagues alike rallied behind Spyro’s post. Many shared their own stories of being taken advantage of by wealthy clients. Some even named names—though cautiously—highlighting a pattern of behavior among the elite where showing off wealth seems more important than honoring agreements or respecting labor.

“He’s absolutely right,” one user commented. “It’s always the ones with the Bentleys and the Birkin bags who ask for discounts or try to play smart. Meanwhile, it’s the regular people who pay upfront and show appreciation.”

Another user wrote, “They want free music performances, free hosting, free appearances… but they’ll be the first to spend 5 million naira at the club on bottles.”

For Spyro, the message isn’t just about money—it’s about respect. The creative economy thrives on passion, talent, and hard work, but when professionals are made to feel like their work is only worth attention and not money, it undermines the entire industry. The idea that association with a big name should be enough compensation is a mentality he’s no longer entertaining.

And he’s not alone. The trend of creatives standing up for fair compensation is growing. In the past year, artists, photographers, content creators, and freelancers across Nigeria and beyond have begun to publicly call out exploitative clients, demanding not just payment but recognition of their craft as a legitimate, valuable service.

Spyro’s decision to speak up could also be seen as a reflection of his own growth and confidence in the industry. From being an emerging act to now a recognizable figure with hit songs and solid reputation, he’s earned the right to demand his price—and he wants others to feel empowered to do the same.

His message is also a timely reminder as discussions around wealth, class, and privilege continue to dominate both cultural and online spaces. It challenges the glorification of billionaire lifestyles that often overshadow the exploitative practices happening in their wake. It's one thing to aspire to luxury, Spyro seems to suggest, but quite another to allow wealth to silence those who work behind the scenes to make that luxury possible.

Even as some critics online accused him of “biting the hand that feeds,” others were quick to shut down that narrative, reminding the public that respect and accountability should never be sacrificed for opportunity. “Being rich doesn’t mean you get to be irresponsible,” another user said. “If you can afford it, pay for it. Period.”

In an age where social media clout and image can sometimes matter more than substance, Spyro’s call for accountability is both bold and necessary. It speaks to a generation of creatives tired of being overlooked, undervalued, or outright ignored by those who have the means but not the integrity.

His final words in the post—“I worked really hard to be here and I ain’t poor”—underline a powerful message: self-worth is non-negotiable. For Spyro and countless others in the creative industry, the days of begging for what is rightfully theirs may just be coming to an end.

And perhaps now, the message is louder than ever—if you want the talent, the service, the music, or the brand, you better come correct. Because not everyone is going to play broke for your billionaire comfort.