20th March, 2024
By Taiwo Okanlawon
Award-winning Nigerian rapper Jude Abaga, popularly known as MI Abaga has revealed how artistes are particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges due to constant rejection, hopelessness and negativity they often encounter.
In an interview with Punch, MI Abaga expressed his concerns, pointing out the susceptibility of individuals in the creative sphere to such issues.
He emphasised that the situation exacerbates for successful artists, leading many to resort to drug abuse as a coping mechanism.
“Creatives are generally more at risk of mental health challenges to the extent that even when we are in the middle of it, there is no support. We face a lot of rejection, hopelessness and negativity. Yet, when one becomes successful, it gets even worse.
“The problem is so big and many artists are turning to drug abuse. We need to tackle the issue collectively to find ways to help creatives in Nigeria and Africa when faced with rejection,” MI Abaga said.