The pressures of fame have long been associated with mental health struggles among artists, with many talented musicians succumbing to its weight. From Amy Winehouse and Kurt Cobain to Whitney Houston, the music industry has witnessed tragic cases where success comes at a heavy emotional cost.
In a candid interview, Ugandan singer Lilian Mbabazi revealed that she, too, has battled mental health struggles due to the intense pressure of being in the public eye. The former Blu*3 member admitted that at one point in her career, she lost her passion for music and experienced what she described as mild depression.
“There was a time when I started doubting myself. I questioned whether my music still had value, whether I still mattered as an artist.”
Lilian explained that a combination of external pressure, public scrutiny, and harsh media criticism contributed to her mental exhaustion. She found herself struggling with self-doubt as she attempted to navigate her career while meeting the expectations of fans and industry stakeholders.
“In this industry, everyone has an opinion about your career, your personal life, even things they know nothing about. It’s exhausting.”
To cope with these challenges, she learned to block out negativity, especially from social media, where artists are often subjected to harsh criticism.
“I realized I needed to protect my peace. I had to stop paying attention to what people were saying because, in this industry, not everyone will be kind or supportive.”
Lilian’s experience echoes the growing concerns around mental health in the entertainment industry, reinforcing the need for more awareness and support systems for artists dealing with the pressure of fame.