In recent times, the conversations about drug usage among entertainers has increased especially on social media. This is coming as a result of the trending subject matter of how Tagbo Umeike,a friend of Davido lost his life.
In the same vein, drugs were allegedly found in the car of DJ Olu and Chime Amaechi(both friends of Davido) after they lost their lives.
At the ongoing Felabration concert, I vividly saw how some budding musicians were smoking weed recklessly in order to energize their performance. Amongst entertainers, using these substances is not strange.
Nigerian RnB singer and entrepreneur, Banky W once revealed that most Nigerian entertainers use drugs.
In reaction to a message placed on a hotel door in Benin, Edo state banning weed and other hard drugs, the singer said 75% of Nigerian artistes cannot stay where the notice on ban of drugs is placed.
The notice which reads: “Please be advised that smoking of WEED or taking of any HARD DRUGS in the rooms are highly prohibited with consequences such as automatic checkout or being handed over to law enforcement agency.”
Banky W took to his Snapchat page and wrote: “Lol… now this means 75% of the music business can’t stay here.”
A lot of musicians will tell you they are self-motivated and their drive comes from the love for their craft. But in reality, we know where their energy comes from.
Okey Bakassi claimed that conservatively, 70% of Nigerian celebrities are on some substance that makes them high. Hear him: “Now you hear all manner of names. From SK to Kush to Loud. The names come like everyday and you’re struggling to keep up with the nomenclature of it.”
Bakassi admitted that he dabbled into the use of drugs when he was much younger, claiming it enhances creativity in the short term.
It is common knowledge that most musicians and performers are plagued with drugs and alcohol addiction. Reggae Blues singer, Harrysong once noted that these artistes take these harmful substances to enhance their creativity.
“It’s not a plus because I think it’s a limitation. Some are shy and can’t face the crowd but I don’t think it is enough reason to take drugs. I don’t do drugs. For me, if God has given you a talent, he also empowers you to handle any challenges that may come with it,” he said.
Some of these entertainers have the capacity to afford these drugs, therefore their financial strength encourages them to use more of it. The wealthier they are, the more sustainable their bad habits become.
The environment these artistes find themselves in often times trigger this habit. Playing at night, surrounded by the drunk and high, does not promote a culture of abstinence. Instead, it encourages you to be addicted.
Stardom is not easy to sustain. Whenever these super stars start declining in their careers, they turn to these drugs as a form of solace.
Nollywood actress, Toyin Aimakhu once revealed that she turned to drugs when faced with some emotional issues.
According to her: “I worked on the negativity around me. I tried to be positive and I had to deal with depression and drugs. I didn’t plan for a broken home. I didn’t plan for a broken marriage but when it came (shrugs) and after my marriage, there were so many negativities .
“And I was emotionally carried away. I didn’t heal before jumping into another relationship, but I thought I was going to be healed through another relationship”.
READ ALSO:Okey Bakassi, Sound Sultan, others reveal how Nigerian entertainers use drugs