The Nigerian musician Lil Kesh, whose real name is Keshinro Ololade, has been open about his long-standing battle with mental health concerns, specifically his anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
Given that mental health concerns are frequently stigmatised and celebrities rarely discuss them in public, his disclosure is a turning point in Nigeria’s entertainment sector.
In a recent interview, Lil Kesh confessed that while he hasnโt received an official medical diagnosis, he strongly believes he has ADHD based on years of observation and self-awareness.
โI donโt like to identify as ADHD, but I have ADHD. I diagnosed myself, but trust me, I know,โ he said.
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His self-awareness and the personal struggles he has endured behind the scenesโdifficulties that fans were previously unaware ofโare both reflected in this disclosure.
He mentioned that he has trouble focussing, becomes restless, and has overthinking periods, all of which are typical signs of ADHD.
Lil Kesh also opened up about his struggle with anxiety, especially the type that stems from uncertainty about life, the future, and career expectations.
He revealed that one of his greatest sources of anxiety is โnot knowingโโthe lack of clarity and control over what comes next.
โI feel like not knowingโฆ thatโs one thing that gives me anxiety,โ he admitted.
Having risen to fame in the mid-2010s with street anthems like “Shoki” and “Efejoku,” the rapper felt a sudden and immense pressure to maintain that success.
He said the demand to consistently produce hit songs became mentally draining and contributed to his decision to slow down his music career for a while.
Many admirers thought about his quiet throughout his musical absence. Some blamed it on label disagreements, while others attributed it to creative fatigue.
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But Lil Kesh has since said that a large part of it was due to his desire to look after his emotional and mental well-being.
โSometimes you need to pause and check in with yourself. You canโt pour from an empty cup,โ he explained.
In navigating his recovery journey, Lil Kesh has embraced healthier habits such as regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, better sleep hygiene, and mindfulness practices.
These routines, he said, have greatly helped him manage his symptoms.
โYour mental health is everything. It affects how you see the world, how you see yourself,โ he noted.
Kesh also pointed out that seeking therapy or talking openly to someone he trusts has been instrumental in regaining emotional balance.
Lil Kesh’s honesty has spurred crucial discussions on the necessity of normalising mental health issues in Nigeria, especially among creatives who frequently endure a great deal of pressure to be quiet.
He joins an increasing number of Nigerian prominent people who are courageously eradicating the stigma associated with mental health by sharing his story.
โI know there are people out there who feel overwhelmed but donโt have the words to say it. I hope they know theyโre not alone,โ he said.
Lil Kesh is now more committed than ever to making music with a purpose, despite his struggles.
He made references to future endeavours, stressing that his future work will exhibit a deeper level of emotional complexity and maturity.
โIโve seen the dark parts of myself. Now, Iโm learning how to bring that into my art without letting it consume me,โ he concluded.
Lil Kesh’s candid admissions serve as a potent reminder that nobody is immune to emotional difficulties because of their popularity.
For fans, other artists, and anybody else facing mental health issues, his narrative is both a wake-up call and a source of inspiration.
By speaking up, he not only takes back his story but also makes a significant contribution to Nigerian society’s increasing cultural change towards compassion and mental health awareness.
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