Nigerian singer and songwriter, Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, has sparked an online discussion about the emotional struggles faced by celebrities, particularly men, in the entertainment industry.
In a heartfelt post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the “Your Waist” hitmaker reminded fans that fame does not protect public figures from pain or personal crises.
He described the celebrity lifestyle as “a double-edged sword” that often hides deep emotional battles behind the glitz and glamour.
“Celebrities are humans with deep feelings and struggles like everyone else,” Iyanya wrote. “Beyond the media glamorisation is a person simply yearning to be human like the rest of us.”
‘Men are taught not to cry,’ says Iyanya
Iyanya went further to highlight the unique struggles faced by male celebrities, noting that societal norms often discourage them from expressing vulnerability or seeking help.
According to him, many men in the spotlight feel pressured to appear strong and unbothered, even when dealing with depression or personal failures. “For male celebrities, there’s often an even deeper struggle to bounce back when one hits a low,” he noted.
He blamed this mindset on the societal expectation that men must be stoic and self-reliant, saying, “Men are wired not to show weakness, not to ask for help, or they risk being called soft.”
Fans, colleagues applaud Iyanya’s bold message
Iyanya’s honest reflection has earned widespread praise from both fans and fellow entertainers, who lauded him for shedding light on an often-ignored issue in the entertainment industry.
Many social media users described his post as a “wake-up call” to normalise conversations around mental health, especially among African men who face cultural pressure to suppress emotions.
Others urged more celebrities to speak up about their mental health journeys, stressing that Iyanya’s openness could inspire healthier discussions about vulnerability and emotional resilience.
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