In a recent interview with Beat FM, Burna Boy discussed a range of topics, including his relationships, an upcoming live concert in December and his controversy-prone public image. Hosts Olisa Adibua and Maria Okanrende also used their time with the singer to ask about how he manages his mental health. According to Burna Boy, he recently had his first session with a therapist, on the recommendation of his parents. The singer also shared his therapist’s initial prognosis, that his often outlandish tendencies was due to stomached anger from his childhood.

Burna makes light of the conversation, adding that he hasn’t gone back to see the therapist, because he thinks himself the happiest man in the world. He also generally seemed to be more bemused by the entertainment factor of it all, spawning from the reliability of his situation to Hollywood films that have explored similar scenarios and his initial skepticism about getting mental health treatments in Nigeria. But the singer also spoke of the revelation with candour, sharing elsewhere during the interview, a few self-care tips (which suspiciously included casual fighting).

Perhaps for a man like Burna Boy, advocacy is a far-cry from what he perceives within the limits of his goals as an artist. Mental health is a reality much of the Nigerian general public is still trying to gradually grasp and it’s noteworthy nonetheless that more public figures are coming forward to identify with their personal struggles, especially in the creative community where everyday living and use of mental energy are seemingly intertwined.

You can stream the full interview here.

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