Iyanya: I took 4-year break from music for my mental health

Iyanya has attributed his four-year music hiatus to toxicity and the need to better himself mentally.

The singer was speaking in an interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the show host.

Iyanya rose to fame after winning the first season of Project Fame West Africa and releasing his debut album in 2011.

The singer co-founded the record label MMMG with Ubi Franklin, the music executive, the same year.

Iyanya would later exit MMMG in 2016, momentarily signing a deal with Mavin Records.

A well-publicised dispute broke out between him and Franklin but this was later resolved in 2021.

In his latest interview, Iyanya said he took a break from music to regain his well-being and headspace.

“With hits come pressure; the ups and the downs. Fans don’t see that. But you as an artiste have to tell yourself the truth, take some time off, and do what’s right. It was very intentional for me to leave and come back better” he said.

“For me, I wasn’t ready for all of that. I knew I was going to be famous but I didn’t realise it was going to be that huge. The effects on me weren’t so good at some point. Yeah, of course. [It was a toxic time for me.]

“If you’re not careful, it could break you. It was crazy, mentally and otherwise. When you become a version of yourself that you don’t like, you have to take some time away. It was for about three to four years.

“I had to shut down. I lost my mind. Mentally, I was gone. If I didn’t, I won’t be here today. Ubi Franklin and I made up a long ago but we didn’t say so on social media. The issues that made us fall apart don’t exist anymore.

“I was young and everything happened so fast. Now I know you have to listen to people, especially those giving you advise for growth. Yeah, [I’m in a different headspace. And I’m more mature.]”