Why Male Celebrities Struggle to Bounce Back — Iyanya!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Nigerian singer Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, popularly known as Iyanya, has opened up about the emotional challenges male celebrities face, saying many struggle silently due to societal expectations and lack of support.

What He Said:

In a candid social media post, Iyanya wrote:

“Male celebrities don’t get much empathy. When we’re down, people mock instead of check on us… We’re expected to always have it together.”

He noted that the pressure to maintain a strong image while battling personal, financial, or career setbacks can push many into isolation or depression.

The Bigger Picture:

• Iyanya’s comments come amid growing awareness around mental health in the entertainment industry, especially among male artists.
• He joins a list of Nigerian entertainers—including Burna Boy, Chike, and D’banj—who’ve spoken publicly about emotional vulnerability.
• The singer emphasized the need for fans to understand that public figures are also human and deserve compassion during hard times.

Why It Matters:

• It highlights the toxic masculinity and unrealistic expectations placed on male celebrities in African pop culture
• It encourages conversations about mental health, emotional resilience, and the importance of support systems.
• Iyanya’s transparency may inspire other artists to speak up and seek help without shame.

Citations:

1. TheCable Lifestyle – www.thecable.ng
2. BellaNaija – www.bellanaija.com
3. Iyanya via X (formerly Twitter) – @iyanya

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