Kojo Cue, a Ghanaian rapper, has counselled musicians to put their mental health first. In an interview with Zion Felix, he first talked candidly about his mental health issue.
In a recent interview with Graphic Showbiz, Cue advocated for more open discussions about mental health, particularly in the entertainment sector.
The rapper, whose real name is Linford Kennedy Amankwaa, stressed the value of being vulnerable and claimed that seeking assistance should be viewed as a sign of strength rather than weakness.
According to him, recognizing mental health issues is a vital first step on the path to recovery and personal development.
Cue disclosed that two traumatic events that happened consecutively in 2020 and 2021 were the cause of his difficulties.
The experiences became too much to handle, especially when combined with the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and he decided to get professional assistance.
“In 2020 and 2021, I faced two back-to-back traumatic experiences that pushed me to my limits. I’m intentionally withholding some details as they relate closely to my upcoming projects, both in theme and execution,”
“However, those events occurring so closely together, alongside the pressures of COVID, became overwhelming. It was this situation that drove me to seek therapy and address the challenges I was facing.” He mentioned.
He claimed that one of his most effective coping mechanisms were travels. He travelled to the United States, Italy, Nigeria, Kenya, and several locations in Ghana. Every location contributed to his mental space being reset.
“I travelled extensively. At one point, I visited Nigeria, then Kenya, spent some time in the US and even lived in Italy for a while. My travels took me all over, including various places here. The essence behind that was simple: a change in environment can often clear your head,”
“It’s similar to how tidying up your room can enhance your mental clarity. When you are in a new space, your brain is flooded with fresh information to process, leaving little room for overthinking or moping. It helps you reset.” He explained.
Kojo Cue attributed his emotional equilibrium to travel, counselling, fostering friendships, and even gardening. These deliberate actions eventually enabled him to maintain his composure and start the healing process.
He emphasized that his absence from music was a purposeful pause rather than a void. Every moment he spent away from the spotlight, he thought, had meaning and influenced who he is now.
Kojo Cue, who is once again in the public eye, hopes that by telling his story, he will encourage others to speak up, get support, and understand they are not alone in their difficulties.
By Najat Adamu
