Mental health crises in the music industry

Dar es Salaam. The Bongo Flava music industry has undeniably grown, creating countless opportunities for artistes.

However, beneath the glamour lies a harsh reality—many artistes face challenges that, if left unaddressed, can lead to serious mental health issues.

From the pressure to remain relevant and family disputes to the financial strain of high-stakes investments, artistes are constantly juggling demanding situations.

Some turn to substances like alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms, while others struggle with the emotional toll of losing the spotlight.

Despite the glittering image of fame and success, many artistes are silently fighting battles that few see.

Hidden struggles behind the music

Breaking into the music industry is no small feat. Countless hours in the studio and the pressure to deliver a hit with every release are just the beginning.

Once successful, artistes face a new challenge: staying relevant in a fast-paced industry filled with young talent and ever-changing trends.

Artistes who make it to stardom become public figures, their lives scrutinised by fans, critics, and the media.

The fear of losing relevance, coupled with the constant demand for new content, creates immense anxiety and depression.

Dangerous paths to coping

The pressure to stay ahead often drives artistes toward unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Substances such as alcohol and marijuana are common tools for escaping the stress of constant performances or numbing the pressure to succeed.

While they may provide temporary relief, substance abuse has long-term consequences, including addiction, worsened depression, and an inability to manage the demands of a high-pressure career.

Betting big on a dream

Pursuing a dream in the music industry requires significant financial investment. However, the unpredictable nature of the business means not every song or project will yield success.

This financial instability can create additional stress, especially when an artiste’s income doesn’t align with their popularity.

The resulting sense of failure can exacerbate mental health struggles, making it harder for artistes to cope with the demands of their careers.

Losing the spotlight

The journey to stardom is challenging, but the fall from grace can be equally devastating.

In an industry that thrives on trends, artistes who were once adored can quickly find themselves forgotten.

When gigs dry up and fans move on, the emotional impact can be terrible.

According to President of the Tanzanian Psychological Association (TAPA), Dr Magolanga Shagembe, artistes need to prioritize their mental health by including psychologists as part of their support teams.

“Just as artistes work hard to secure managers and photographers, it’s vital to have professionals who can help manage their psychological well-being,” says Dr Shagembe.

He highlights that artistes’ lives are filled with challenges that put them at greater risk of psychological struggles.

“Many depend heavily on external support, which makes it difficult to balance their personal and artistic lives,” he explains.

Dr Shagembe also notes that the discrepancy between an artiste’s fame and their income can lead to financial stress, further straining their mental health.

“When an artiste’s mental health is compromised, their creativity and productivity suffer, ultimately affecting the quality of their work,” he adds.

Negative coping mechanisms

Counselling psychologist Bosco Bosco from Mental Health Tanzania (MHT) underscores the dangers of negative coping mechanisms.

“When artistes isolate themselves due to a perceived sense of uniqueness, they create a barrier between themselves and others. This often leads to reliance on substances such as alcohol,” says Bosco.

He advises artistes to set realistic expectations to avoid frustration and despair.

“The mind-set of immediate success must be replaced with an understanding that ups and downs are part of the journey. Accepting the possibility of setbacks is crucial for managing the pressure of high aspirations,” he shares.

To thrive in the demanding world of music, artistes must prioritise their mental health.

By acknowledging the challenges they face and addressing them proactively, artistes can safeguard their well-being while continuing to inspire and entertain.