Popular Nigerian rapper, Jude Abaga, better known as MI Abaga, has claimed that mental health problems are more common among those working in the entertainment sector.
According to him, artists frequently encounter rejection, which can lead to despondency when pessimism creeps in and there is no apparent support system.
In a recent interview, MI Abaga stated that when an artist becomes popular, things grow worse because they start abusing drugs.
He said; “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.”
Additionally, he believes that decentralising the creative sector is a key strategy for advancing the nation’s entertainment business.
He said; “The entertainment industry needs to be decentralised for it to really develop. Take South Africa for instance, if I want to shoot a film, it is probably better to go to Cape Town, and if I want to shoot a music video, I would go to Johannesburg. The more we develop in different areas, the better the country gets.
Also, in the United States of America, there are places like Atlanta, New York, Texas that have thriving entertainment hubs, and in the United Kingdom, there are places like London and Liverpool.
But, in Nigeria, we only have Lagos and there is a drop off. However, places like Plateau State can really develop and be a part of the industry. For people like me, who have been in the industry for a while, and have had the opportunity to learn, this is a great time to give back, and I’m starting from Jos.”
