Skepta’s Mum: How I raised a rap legend
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This episode of 'Lives Less Ordinary' features Ify Adenuga, the mother of UK grime artist Skepta, sharing her extraordinary life story—from surviving the Biafran War in post-independence Nigeria to building a new life in London. Her childhood was marked by extreme hardship, loss, and trauma, including the death of five siblings and living in a hut with no running water or sanitation. Despite this, she carried resilience and a fierce determination to create a better life for her children. In London, she overcame isolation and cultural shock, eventually building a vibrant community in her estate and raising her sons with love, freedom, and encouragement—rejecting the violent parenting she endured. Her son Joseph Jr., known as Skepta, followed his passion for music despite initial resistance, eventually winning the Mercury Prize in 2016, a moment that brought Ify to tears and global recognition. She reflects on her son’s success not as celebrity, but as a proud mother celebrating a son who uplifts his community, including founding a football club and a community center in Nigeria. The episode is a powerful testament to strength, motherhood, and the quiet heroism of those who raise legends in silence.
Trauma from war and loss shaped Ify’s resilience, but she chose not to pass on violence to her children.
Parenting with love and freedom—rather than fear and punishment—created space for Skepta’s creativity and independence.
Skepta’s success is deeply rooted in community, with his music and philanthropy reflecting his mother’s values.
True success isn’t just fame—it’s self-sufficiency, family unity, and giving back to one’s roots.
A mother’s love can be the quiet foundation behind a global star’s rise.
The Rise of a Legend’s Mother
“Behind every successful man is a strong woman. Well, today's guest is just that. A mother, in fact.”
Surviving the Biafran War
“You just grab a basket and a knife. And all we're looking for is anything growing in the bush. So you were foraging? You were just looking for anything?”
A New Life in London
Ify describes her arrival in London—culture shock, loneliness, snow, and isolation—before finding her footing through community work and love.
Building a Family and Community
“I said, you're not going to touch my kids. I was just going to tell you, you're not touching any of my kids. That's how... We came up with the idea that we're not going to hit them all.”
Skepta’s Creative Spark
“I was driving them to the rundown area. I'll drop them and I'll sit in the car and wait for a good one and a half hours while they're doing that.”
“I said, you're not going to touch my kids. I was just going to tell you, you're not touching any of my kids. That's how... We came up with the idea that we're not going to hit them all.”
“I screamed. I yelled. I couldn't believe it. I looked at her. Hang on a minute. Take it easy. Take it easy. You're not in the house.”
“You just grab a basket and a knife. And all we're looking for is anything growing in the bush. So you were foraging? You were just looking for anything?”
Host
Guest
Ify Adenuga
person
Skepta
person
Nigeria
place
Joe
person
London
place
Biafran War
other
White Hart Lane
place
Mercury Prize
other
BBC World Service
organization
Lives Less Ordinary
media
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