Controversial Nigerian rapper Speed Darlington has said that his many years living in the United States did not benefit him, claiming that all he came away with were criminal records.
In a recent video, the singer compared his life in America to his experiences in Nigeria. He revealed that after spending 23 years in the U.S., he felt he achieved more success and personal fulfillment back home in Nigeria.
According to him, although he still has access to travel to the United States to visit family, he no longer wants to live there permanently. He said the environment in America negatively affected both his mental and emotional well-being.
“America did not favor me. I have access to the USA but I don’t want to be there all the time. America no favor me and I’m not ashamed to say it. The only thing I have is criminal records, arrest, arrest, arrest, arrest is all I got from the USA,” he said.
Darlington explained that he now prefers to stay in Nigeria and only visit the U.S. briefly when necessary.
“So, after 23 years, I told myself it’s better for me to have access to America. I can go whenever I want to see my family for maybe 10 days, one week or 4 days, and I will turn around and return. Because American society is not conducive for my mental and physical well-being.”
He said living in America affected his self-confidence, especially in social situations.
“In America, my self confidence is in the gutter. I can’t even talk to girls, I lack confidence whenever I’m in America. I’m always lonely,” he said, adding that he often felt isolated during long stays.
The rapper also spoke about feeling judged because of his accent and race.
“If I want to talk to a girl, firstly I’m worried about my accent. Is she going to laugh at me? Am I adequate? American society has an atmosphere where a black man is nothing and he has to over prove himself before he can get any respect. This is not how I want to live my life.”
He contrasted this with his experience in Nigeria, where he said he feels more accepted and valued.
“While here I amount to something. Everybody is black and dark skinned. All these things are what I’m thinking,” he added.
Speed Darlington also claimed that the money he used to build his mansion, which includes a swimming pool, was earned in Nigeria, not in America.
“I love having access to the US anytime I want but my mansion money with swimming pool on top came from Nigerian. That fight I had with Portable was how I finished my mansion decking. That money helped me very well. That fight did not take place in Las Vegas, it took place in Lagos, Nigeria,” he said.
He concluded by saying he would rather live freely in a place where he feels comfortable than remain in a society where he feels restricted.
“It is better to be in a forest climbing trees and be free than to be in a center of everything and being caged. I did not leave America with money.”
