From TikTok Fame to Family Burden: Peller laments becoming breadwinner at 19

At just 19 years old, Nigerian TikTok star Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, better known as Peller, has become a symbol of the crushing pressures faced by young breadwinners. In a raw, emotional livestream with actress Sandra Benede, Peller opened up about his struggles, revealing how the burden of providing for his family has left him mentally exhausted and disconnected from the people he loves most .

The Emotional Toll of Being a Teen Breadwinner

Peller’s rise to fame brought financial success, but it also thrust him into a role he never asked for: becoming his family’s primary provider. Despite having an older brother, he described feeling like the “mother and father” of the household, responsible for everything from bills to emotional support. “I’m not even 20 yet, and I’m already facing all these things. It’s not good,” he confessed, his voice heavy with frustration.

The stress has grown so intense that Peller admitted he avoids visiting his family. “I prefer to send them things and make sure they’re okay from afar,” he said, explaining that their expectations and his own mental fatigue make face-to-face interactions unbearable. “If not that they’d start looking for me, I’d just run away to America and go offline,” he added, highlighting his desire to escape the relentless pressure.

Why Family Visits Feel Like a Burden

For Peller, family gatherings now trigger anxiety rather than comfort. He revealed that his mindset has “outgrown” theirs, creating a disconnect. “It’s like I’m the one who gave birth to them,” he said, emphasizing how his responsibilities have reversed traditional family roles. Even more heartbreaking? He no longer misses his parents. “The only person I’d miss is my girlfriend, Jarvis,” he admitted, sparking mixed reactions online.

Public Reaction: Sympathy, Criticism, and Relatability

Peller’s vulnerability resonated deeply. Social media flooded with comments from Nigerians sharing similar struggles:

• @Dazzlnsbeautylounge: “No one will understand until they wear his shoes!”

• @Nk_steve00: “You’re making millions young—be grateful!”

• @_dee__deee: “He needs love, not pressure”

Others criticized his focus on Jarvis over family, with one user joking, “You’ll miss a girlfriend who can leave anytime?”

Amid the chaos, Peller has tried to balance his responsibilities. He introduced Jarvis to his mother in a heartwarming viral moment, showcasing a rare joyful interaction. He’s also supporting his younger brother’s education in the UK, a move praised as empowering family despite his struggles .

Peller’s story isn’t unique. Many young Nigerians face similar pressures, where success comes with unspoken demands to “save” entire families. As one fan noted, “Breadwinner na human too” —a reminder that even providers need compassion.

Watch Peller’s Emotional Livestream Clip
Watch this snippet from his TikTok live session:
Peller’s Viral Video on X (Twitter) .