Nigerian music star Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, popularly known as Iyanya, has finally opened up about one of the darkest and most painful seasons of his life. In a recent emotional interview, the “Kukere” crooner revealed that he lost his entire immediate family within just two years, a tragedy that left him deeply broken and struggling to cope.
The talented singer, who rose to fame after winning Project Fame West Africa in 2008, said that behind the fame, hit songs, and charming smile, he was silently dealing with deep grief and loneliness.
🎤 Fame On The Outside, Pain On The Inside
Iyanya said, “Many people saw me on TV, saw me winning awards, doing shows, and traveling the world, but they didn’t know what I was really going through inside. Losing my family in such a short time felt like the ground was taken from under me.”
According to him, it all started when he lost his elder brother, whom he described as his "protector and best friend." Just as he was trying to recover from that loss, tragedy struck again—he lost his mother shortly after. And then, as if life was testing his strength beyond limit, his father also passed away not long after.
“I was broken. I was confused. I was angry. It felt like the world had ended,” he confessed.
🕊️ He Had To Grieve In Silence
While other celebrities may have gone public with such devastating news, Iyanya chose to keep quiet about his pain. He continued performing, attending interviews, dropping music, and making public appearances like everything was normal.
“I didn’t want people to pity me. I didn’t want it to look like I was using my family’s death to promote my music or seek attention. But the truth is, I was suffering. I would smile on stage and cry when I got back to my hotel room.”
He said there were nights he didn’t want to wake up the next morning. “I questioned God. I kept asking why me. Why so fast, and why all of them? But life doesn’t always give you answers.”
🙏 Music Was His Only Healing
For Iyanya, music became his only escape. He poured his pain into his writing and performances. Songs like "Applaudise", "Le Kwa Ukwu", and even "Ur Waist" were made during that difficult period.
“People just heard dance songs and love songs, but I was fighting battles inside. That’s how artists survive sometimes. We hide pain in melodies.”
Even though he had fame and money, he said he felt empty without his family. “You can have all the success in the world, but if there’s nobody to call you and say ‘I’m proud of you,’ it doesn’t feel the same.”
🧠 Mental Health Is Real
Iyanya’s revelation highlights a much bigger issue—mental health, especially among celebrities. Many Nigerians don’t take mental health seriously, but Iyanya says it’s time we did.
“I went through depression. I almost gave up. But by God’s grace and with the help of a few good friends, I made it through,” he said.
He urged young people, especially men, to speak up and seek help when they’re going through tough times. “Keeping it all inside can destroy you,” he warned.
💪 A Comeback With Purpose
After a few quiet years in the music industry, Iyanya is now making a strong comeback. But this time, he says he’s not just making music for fame. He wants to inspire people and remind them that even after pain, life can still be beautiful.
“I want people to know that no matter what you go through, you can come out stronger. I lost my family, but I didn’t lose my purpose.”
He’s also working on launching a foundation in memory of his parents and brother, which will help orphans and young people dealing with grief.
“This is my way of giving back and making sure their legacy lives on.”
📢 Final Words from Iyanya
To anyone going through a hard time, Iyanya says: “Don’t give up. Cry if you need to. Talk to someone. Pray. Hold on. The storm will pass.”
In a country like Nigeria where many people are silently carrying pain, Iyanya’s story is a powerful reminder that behind every smile may be a silent struggle, and behind every successful person, a deep journey of endurance.
🔥 Let’s Talk!
Have you ever experienced deep personal loss like Iyanya? How did you cope with it? Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s talk and support one another.
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