Famous Nigerian singer Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk has opened up about the emotional weight that comes with fame especially for male celebrities who struggle to bounce back after facing tough times. In recent public reflections, he described how society’s expectations and the pressures of maintaining a perfect image make recovery harder for men in the spotlight. 

Iyanya said many people assume celebrities are always strong, always coping, but behind the glamour there’s a person with real feelings. “Celebrities are humans with deep feelings and struggles like everyone else,” he posted on X. He added that many men feel forced to hide pain, avoid asking for help, and maintain a façade of invulnerability. 

One of the core issues Iyanya pointed out is cultural pressure. From a young age many men are socialized to be stoic. To admit vulnerability may be seen as weakness. This makes it harder for male stars to speak about their struggles openly or seek emotional support during low periods. 

He also reflected on specific moments in his career when things were especially rough. In 2020, after a legal dispute with his former management, his income stalled. He lost his home. Stayed in a hotel. Unable to perform or tour. Locked in uncertainty, he said the weight of those circumstances pushed him toward depression and, at one point, nearly suicide. 

Despite the odds, Iyanya emphasized that what helps is surrounding oneself with people who genuinely care, refusing opportunities that devalue you, and keeping faith in the process. In another interview, he shared that avoiding projects that undervalue his worth even when opportunities seem scarce as it was necessary for his mental health and self-respect. His message: bounce back is possible, but often not easy. 

Fans and fellow artists have reacted positively to Iyanya’s transparency. Many see his openness as part of a larger conversation about mental health, vulnerability, and the need to redefine strength for men in the entertainment industry.