“Rest Is a Blessing!” – Mr Eazi Opens Up on Year-Long Holiday and Life After Years of Hustle

In a surprising but deeply resonant post that has sparked conversations across social media, Nigerian singer and entrepreneur, Mr Eazi, real name Oluwatosin Ajibade, has declared that he has been on holiday all year—and he feels no shame about it. The acclaimed afrobeats artist and founder of emPawa Africa took to X (formerly Twitter) with a candid reflection that has since gone viral. His words: “I've been on holiday all year. I started feeling guilty but then I realise I've been working since I was 15! Rest is a blessing! Choplife season!”

The tweet, posted under his handle @mreazi, touched a nerve with thousands who found themselves inspired, encouraged, and even envious of the luxury of time Mr Eazi now enjoys. In an era where burnout is glamorized, and constant productivity is seen as a badge of honor, the statement from a figure like Mr Eazi stands out as both revolutionary and healing. For someone who has consistently remained a prominent force not only in the music scene but also as a tech investor and cultural entrepreneur, the idea of taking an entire year off to just live and breathe feels like a radical act of self-love.

For those unfamiliar with his journey, Mr Eazi is no stranger to hard work. Rising from humble beginnings, he began his hustle at the tender age of 15. Long before global stages, streaming charts, or major label partnerships, Eazi was working in Lagos, trying to carve a niche for himself in both business and music. Known for his blend of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions—what he coined as "Banku music"—Eazi’s climb to fame was not overnight. He’s always been open about the grind, the sleepless nights, and the entrepreneurial risks he took to get where he is.

His company, emPawa Africa, has helped launch the careers of numerous African artists and continues to support rising talent across the continent. From collaborating with global stars to becoming one of the few African artists to perform at the prestigious Coachella Festival, Mr Eazi’s resume reads like a masterclass in ambition. He’s walked the talk—from music tours and label-building to investing in tech startups across Africa, including payments platforms and entertainment tech ventures. He has lived the hustle and worn the scars with pride.

So when someone like Mr Eazi, who has spent over a decade in relentless pursuit of excellence, says he’s finally pausing for breath, the message carries weight. It's not just about taking time off; it's a declaration that rest, too, is part of the journey. In a culture where rest is often misinterpreted as laziness, Mr Eazi’s words are a much-needed counter-narrative. “Rest is a blessing,” he declared—and for many of his fans and followers, it was a reminder that slowing down isn’t failure. It’s recovery. It’s reflection. It’s necessary.

But not everyone received the message with applause. As always, social media was divided. Some critics argued that statements like his were out of touch with reality for everyday Nigerians and Africans who are still struggling to make ends meet. “Must be nice to say when you’ve made it,” one user commented. Others argued that Eazi’s transparency actually offered hope—that if someone like him, who came from the trenches, could eventually afford to rest, then the dream is valid for others too.

Interestingly, Mr Eazi has never been one to flaunt wealth or success. Instead, he’s been admired for his calculated silence, his consistent focus on results over noise, and his commitment to African excellence. In many ways, this new season of ‘Choplife’—a popular West African phrase that means to enjoy life—feels like a natural continuation of that ethos. He’s not celebrating excess; he’s celebrating peace.

This phase of Mr Eazi’s life also aligns with a larger global movement toward mindfulness, work-life balance, and intentional living. With mental health discussions becoming less taboo and more people openly questioning the “rise and grind” culture, Eazi’s statement joins a growing chorus of high achievers who are choosing themselves over the rat race. Beyoncé spoke about sleep being her “act of rebellion.” Burna Boy once said he doesn’t record unless he’s inspired. Now, Mr Eazi is telling the world that he’s on a year-long holiday—and that’s perfectly okay.

Fans were quick to show support. Comments under his post were flooded with gratitude. “Thank you for this reminder,” one fan wrote. “I’ve been burning out for years because I thought success was only for the restless.” Another shared, “I’ve been working since I was 13 and I’ve never really stopped. You just gave me permission to breathe.” Clearly, his words struck a chord far beyond entertainment.

As the year continues, it remains to be seen what Mr Eazi will do next. Will he return with a new album? Will he dive deeper into investments and creative entrepreneurship? Or will he continue to explore this slower, more present version of himself? Whatever path he chooses, one thing is certain: he has earned this rest. He’s redefining what success looks like—not just in wealth or fame, but in the ability to pause and enjoy the life you’ve built.

His post may have been a few simple words, but they carry the weight of a truth that so many people are still learning to accept: rest is not a reward, it is a right. And when someone who has built an empire from scratch chooses to rest, it should be celebrated—not questioned.