Nigerian rapper Lil Kesh has opened up about his struggles with mental health, revealing that he has self-diagnosed ADHD and deals with anxiety. 

During a recent interview on The Esther Show, the artiste shared that while he doesn’t like to label himself, he’s long battled symptoms beyond what most people casually call “a little hyper.”

“I diagnosed myself, but trust me, I know,” he said. “Everyone has a little of it in them, but it becomes a problem when it turns into a disorder. I’ve had my fair share since I was a child.”

Lil Kesh also discussed how lack of emotional clarity can trigger his anxiety but emphasised that once he understands what he’s dealing with, “the problem is half solved.” 

Dealing with things, anything can cause anxiety.  But I believe that lack of clarity can cause anxiety for me. Once I know what I’m dealing with or what type of emotions I’m dealing with , then my problem is half solved and the anxiety goes away.

Despite his openness, he noted that he’s never done therapy because of trust issues and what he sees as substandard mental health support in Nigeria. “When I needed it the most, I wasn’t privileged to get it,” he said.

The rapper also used the opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s wider systemic issues, particularly governance and infrastructure.

 “Change in Nigeria is going to take years; it’s not happening anytime soon,” he said, urging citizens to temper expectations and continue pushing for progress.

The earlier we make peace with that, the better for us because the change we seek is big going to happen anytime soon. It could happen over time, but no be tomorrow. Nigerians are trying their best, we’re trying now.

"The change we are looking for is not going to happen anytime soon…"

– Lil Kesh pic.twitter.com/L1M27L9KVD

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) May 4, 2025

 He contrasted this with the UK, where he feels the people have far more power and structure.

On the roads in Nigeria, everyone is mad. It’s lawless. Here in the UK, there are speed limits, restrictions… things work.

ALSO READ: How to know you have ADHD as an adult

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Nigerian rapper Erigga has named Phyno as the greatest Nigerian rapper of all time, citing his ability to stay relevant through different eras.

Erigga made his opinion known about Phyno during a recent interview with Echoo Room.

The rapper spoke about his recent hit single with Phyno, ‘Up Iweka’, saying it was a product of a long-term conversation between them.

He said, “I have always wanted to do a song with Phyno. We have always had that conversation.

ALSO READ: Celebrating 10 years of Olamide & Phyno ‘2 Kings’ [Afrobeats Throwback]

“Whenever I told him of my intention, he would always say it was left to me.

“When I want to make an album, it is always a problem trying to look out for features because I am not that guy that just puts everybody on a song. Sometimes, the collaboration won’t come out when the energies don’t match.

“I look at Phyno as someone who has been in the game and lived through different times.

“He is the GOAT. Phyno is the greatest Nigerian rapper because he lived those times, and he is still relevant.”

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Meanwhile, rapper and activist Falz has opened up about why, unlike most of his colleagues, he consistently uses his music to address societal issues.

Revealing his reason, the 34-year-old rapper noted that his artistry is deeply influenced by his environment, making it impossible for him to stay silent on social issues.

Born Folarin Falana, Falz has established himself as a household name in Nigerian music since his career began in 2009.

ALSO READ: Rapper Maxino taps Vector, Odumodublvck, Erigga for ‘Rich & Wacko’ EP

He is widely known for making songs that are often targeted at addressing bad governance and societal ills.

In July 2024, the rapper revealed that Fela Kuti, Plantashun Boiz, and Trybesmen influenced him to do socially conscious music.

Nigerian singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has taken to social media to call for the release of online activist Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan.

The activist’s arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday had caused an uproar on the Nigerian online space, with mixed reactions from netizens.

With the EFCC still largely silent on the details of the arrest, Davido has intervened, calling for the activist’s release.

In a post on X, Davido hailed VeryDarkMan’s positive impact on the lives of common Nigerians despite the hostilities he’s been facing from authorities.

ALSO READ: I no send anybody papa – VeryDarkMan reacts to arrest warrant against him

The ‘Unavailable’ singer pointed out the outpouring of support the activist has received since his arrest, saying the trend is encouraging him to do more for the masses.

He wrote, “Outside all the noise it’s good to see that the good one does actually impacts lives and Pple actually appreciate! The support I’m seeing for VDM everywhere is encouraging.. makes one want to do more for the masses ❤️ FREE MY GUY”

Like Davido, Nigerian singer and saxophonist Seun Kuti had earlier commented on VeryDarkMan’s arrest, hinting that the activist’s current predicament may be linked to his criticism of the Nigerian church.

Seun asserted that his position originates from a conversation with the TikToker’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.

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He wrote, “VDM’s lawyer is my lawyer, and we’re currently entangled in a case with GTB and other banks.There’s no bank in Nigeria that’s a good bank.”

Furthermore, Seun Kuti explained that VeryDarkMan is being persecuted by the Christian body in Nigeria because of his criticism of them.

ALSO READ: Social media activist, VeryDarkMa,n arrested by police in Abuja bank

He said, “As Federal government is running our country, all these big pastors dey run Nigeria. The people of God are the ones fighting VDM for speaking the truth.”