In a candid revelation, Nigerian music sensation Iyanya has shared his harrowing encounter with thoughts of suicide, driven by overwhelming work pressure and financial distress. The artist’s startling confession was unveiled during an insightful interview on the latest episode of the “Tea With Tay” podcast, hosted by actor Temisan Emmanuel Ahwieh, also known as Taymesan.
During the podcast, Iyanya disclosed that he found himself on the precipice of a dire decision, contemplating suicide due to the compounded challenges he was facing. It was his manager’s vigilance that ultimately intervened and prevented a tragic outcome. The singer admitted that he had reached such a despairing point that he had already purchased a lethal substance with the intention of ending his life.
Recounting the period of adversity, Iyanya revealed, “I was in court for a long time, I didn’t do shows. I couldn’t do anything. You know, when you stopped doing show, you now have to fall back on your savings. But when you are popping, that inflow [of money] is different, the way you spend is different from the way you spend whatever you saved. So, I felt it.”
The singer detailed the tumultuous circumstances that contributed to his fragile mental state. He spoke of a critical juncture when he recognized the urgent need to resume touring, only for his plans to be abruptly thwarted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. He found himself confined to a hotel, grappling with financial constraints and a looming court case. The situation escalated to the point where he was unable to settle his hotel bills, and his life appeared to unravel further.
In a twist of fate, the owner of the hotel extended unprecedented kindness, allowing Iyanya to stay for over a year despite his inability to pay. However, the prolonged isolation and continuous struggles took a toll on the artist’s mental health, pushing him to the brink of despair.
During these dark moments, Iyanya’s manager emerged as a beacon of hope, stepping in to prevent the heart-wrenching choice he was contemplating.