Concerns over performer safety and the unseen pressures of live shows have again come into focus following revelations by Nigerian rap star Olamide, who has spoken candidly about his ongoing nervousness before going on stage.
Speaking in a recent interview with YouTuber Korty EO, the award-winning artist disclosed that what many fans perceive as effortless stage confidence is often preceded by significant anxiety rooted in past experiences during live performances.
He explained that his unease is not uncommon or random, but a result of repeated unsettling encounters over the years while performing in front of large crowds. According to him, some of these incidents involved unexpected physical breaches of security, including moments where audience members managed to get too close, at times grabbing personal items such as his chain or hat while he was on stage.
The rapper described these experiences as both alarming and disruptive, noting that they have left a lasting psychological impression that continues to influence how he approaches live shows today.
“I get nervous every time I am going on the stage. I have had too many crazy experiences while performing. Someone from nowhere will just come and grab your chain or your hat, you don’t even know what to expect,” he said during the interview.
His comments highlight the often-overlooked challenges artists face beyond the music itself, particularly the issue of crowd control and security at live events, which can significantly affect performance confidence even for some of the industry’s most established acts.