Renowned Nigerian singer, Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, popularly known as Iyanya, has shared a deeply personal account of his harrowing journey, revealing that he grappled with thoughts of suicide in the wake of financial ruin he faced in 2020.
In a candid discussion on the latest episode of the “Tea With Tay” podcast, hosted by actor Temisan Emmanuel Ahwieh, Iyanya recounted the tumultuous period when bankruptcy pushed him to the brink.
He revealed that circumstances had taken a drastic turn, leading to the loss of his house, forcing him to seek shelter in a hotel. However, even the hotel bills became unmanageable at a certain point. During this period, Iyanya was embroiled in a legal battle with his former management, Temple Management Company. The lawsuit revolved around allegations of him “stealing” a car owned by the company.
Iyanya’s narrative is a stark reminder of the challenges artists can face beyond the spotlight. He stated, “I was in court for a long time, I didn’t do shows. I couldn’t do anything.” He expressed the impact of not being able to perform and relying solely on savings, which significantly differed from the lifestyle he led while in the peak of his career.
Desperation grew as he realized the need to tour and generate income, but just as he contemplated this, fate had another twist in store. “Guess what, two days after my last court case, COVID-19 started,” Iyanya recounted. This unfortunate timing led to a chain of events that intensified his struggles.
As the pandemic enveloped the world, Iyanya found himself in a hotel, grappling with the reality of his situation. “My house was gone. I was in the hotel for a very long time. It got to one point, I couldn’t pay for the hotel bills anymore.” His account paints a bleak picture of how a thriving artist’s life can take a dramatic downturn.
However, amidst the challenges, Iyanya acknowledged the kindness of a hotel owner named Alaba who extended a helping hand. “He allowed me to stay there for over a year. COVID literally caught up with me there.” But the isolation and financial hardships took a severe toll on Iyanya’s mental health. He bravely admitted, “I almost committed suicide. The manager stopped me one time. All of that stuff. Madness, man.”
Iyanya’s candid story serves as a stark reminder that the struggles faced by public figures are often hidden behind the glitz and glamour. It underscores the importance of understanding the complexities of their lives beyond the stage, and the need to offer support and compassion to those who may be silently battling their own demons.
