Nigerian music star Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, widely known as Iyanya, has shared an emotional account of the darkest period in his life, revealing how he lost three close family members — his father, brother, and mother — within a two-year span.
In a heartfelt interview with media personality Hero Daniels, the “Kukere” hitmaker opened up about the toll the successive tragedies took on him, recalling how he had to battle grief while navigating the early stages of fame. According to Iyanya, the emotional pain he endured during that period still shapes his outlook on life, music, and personal resilience.
“The lowest points of my life I would say was losing three family members in about two years,” he said somberly. “My dad passed away about seven or eight days before I got signed. Immediately I came out [with my debut], my brother followed. And then my mom.”
Iyanya revealed that his father died just a few days before he secured his breakthrough music deal — a moment that should have marked a major celebration in his life but was instead overshadowed by sorrow. The loss of his brother shortly after only compounded the grief.
But what hit the hardest, he said, was the shocking and untimely death of his mother — an experience that left a permanent scar.
“The day my mom died, I had a show. I was at the backstage, ready to perform. I think four minutes to my performance, my mom’s junior brother was calling me back-to-back,” Iyanya recalled. “So, I picked the call, and he goes like, ‘Your mom is dead.’”
Despite the devastating news, Iyanya still went ahead to perform.
“I still performed,” he said. “I was devastated. But I went on stage and gave that performance because that’s what I’ve always done — push through.”
The singer’s ability to carry on despite the emotional weight speaks volumes of his professionalism and inner strength, but also highlights the often unseen pressures that celebrities endure behind the scenes. Iyanya’s story has struck a chord with fans across Nigeria and beyond, many of whom praised his courage and vulnerability.
His revelations come at a time when mental health conversations are gaining prominence within the entertainment industry, with more artists coming forward to share personal struggles that have long been hidden behind the spotlight.
Iyanya, who shot to fame after winning MTN Project Fame West Africa in 2008, went on to become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated Afropop stars with hits like “Kukere,” “Your Waist,” “Ur Waist,” “Sexy Mama,” and “Le Kwa Ukwu.” His energetic dance style, catchy hooks, and sultry lyrics earned him awards, endorsements, and international recognition. But behind the fame, few knew he was battling personal grief.
In the same interview, Iyanya reflected on how those early losses shaped his identity and career. “There were days I didn’t even know how I was moving,” he confessed. “Sometimes you just wake up and you’re in pain, but you still have to do interviews, travel, or be in the studio. People don’t always know what you’re carrying.”
The singer has not often spoken publicly about his personal life or the tragedies he has endured. This interview, however, marks one of the first times he has gone into such intimate detail, allowing fans to see a side of him that rarely makes it to the headlines.
He also revealed that, for a long time, music became both his escape and his therapy. “I channelled everything into my craft,” he said. “Sometimes when I’m recording, I’m not just making music for the club — I’m making music to keep myself alive emotionally.”
Iyanya’s emotional honesty has resonated deeply within the music community, with several colleagues and fans taking to social media to commend him for his bravery. Fellow artist and friend Tekno posted on Instagram, saying: “Much love and respect to my brother Iyanya. You’ve been through a lot and still standing strong. Keep inspiring.”
Fans have also begun sharing their own stories of grief and survival, creating a broader conversation about resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.
Iyanya’s story serves as a poignant reminder that behind the glamour and bright lights of the entertainment industry, artists are human — vulnerable to the same heartbreak and loss that affects everyday people. His decision to share such a personal chapter of his life signals a growing shift in Nigerian pop culture, where vulnerability and authenticity are being embraced.
As he continues to evolve in his career, Iyanya is also reportedly working on a new music project that he says will be more personal than ever.
“I want people to hear my truth, not just the party side,” he said. “I want them to feel the real me — the struggles, the healing, the triumph.”
For Iyanya, who rose from tragedy to stardom and is now using his platform to inspire others, the future remains bright — not because he hasn’t faced darkness, but because he chose to walk through it with strength and grace.
His story is not just one of fame and talent, but of resilience, healing, and the human will to persevere.
