Popular Nigerian singer, Iyanya, has shared a deeply personal and emotional chapter of his life, revealing how he lost his father, brother, and mother in a heartbreaking sequence, all within just two years.
The music star, known for hits like Kukere and Your Waist, opened up during a recent interview with media personality Hero Daniels. He reflected on how the pain of those losses shaped him and described a moment many would find unthinkable: performing on stage just minutes after hearing of his mother’s death.
Iyanya said the difficult period began just before his breakthrough into the music industry. According to him, his father died just days before he got his first major music deal.
“The lowest point of my life would be losing three family members in about two years,” the singer said. “My dad passed away about seven or eight days before I got signed. Immediately after that, my brother died too.”
But the hardest blow, he explained, came with the death of his mother. Unlike the others, her passing came at a particularly shocking moment — right before a live performance.
Iyanya recalled being backstage at an event, just four minutes away from performing, when his phone began to ring repeatedly. On the other end of the line was his mother’s younger brother, who kept calling until he finally picked up.
“I think four minutes to my performance, my mom’s junior brother was calling me back-to-back,” Iyanya said. “So, I picked the call, and he goes, ‘Your mom is dead.’”
The news hit him hard, but despite the overwhelming grief, he went ahead with the performance. “I still performed despite my devastation,” he added. “That moment changed me.”
Many fans may find it hard to believe that someone could summon the strength to sing in such a moment, but Iyanya said his decision to perform wasn’t about being strong; it was simply something he felt he had to do.
“It was like I was outside my body,” he shared. “The whole show felt like a blur. But somehow, I pulled through it.”
Iyanya’s story highlights the hidden struggles that artists often face behind the scenes. While the crowd cheers and cameras flash, many celebrities carry burdens that never make the headlines.
Over the years, Iyanya has managed to keep his career alive despite personal struggles. He said that channelling his pain into music and performance helped him stay afloat during his darkest times.
“Losing people you love it changes how you see life,” he said. “You begin to understand what really matters. Every time I get on stage now, I remember them.”
His story serves as a reminder of the emotional resilience that many entertainers need to survive in a tough and competitive industry. Behind the glamour, there are stories of loss, survival, and silent strength.
Fans react to Iyanya’s statement
Since the interview was made public, fans have taken to social media to express their support. Many praised Iyanya for his openness and admired his strength for performing under such heartbreaking circumstances.
One fan wrote, “Now I understand him better. He’s been through a lot and still shows up for his fans.” Another added, “This makes me respect Iyanya even more.”
Iyanya may be best known for his catchy tunes and energetic performances, but his recent interview shows a more human side of the star. A side marked by grief, endurance, and quiet courage.
As he continues to grow both personally and professionally, the singer says he carries the memory of his late parents and brother with him every time he steps on stage.
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