In a candid revelation that has sparked conversations about mental health and substance use, Nigerian singer Bella Shmurda recently shared his decision to quit smoking weed. The ‘Cash App’ crooner cited anxiety about the future as the primary reason behind his choice to give up the habit.
Bella Shmurda, known for his raw and introspective lyrics, opened up about his journey during a recent episode of the ‘In My Opinion’ podcast.
“I don’t smoke igbo [weed]. I used to but I started having anxieties smoking weed. I started getting scared of the future,”
he explained. This admission offers a glimpse into the personal struggles that many individuals face when grappling with the effects of substance use on their mental well-being.
Despite the widespread perception that smoking weed enhances creativity, Shmurda revealed that, in his case, it had the opposite effect. “Contrary to claims that smoking weed boosts creativity, it wasn’t helping the creativity in my case,” he confessed. This revelation challenges conventional wisdom surrounding the relationship between substance use and artistic expression, highlighting the nuanced ways in which individuals navigate their creative processes.
The decision to quit smoking weed was not an easy one for Shmurda, who acknowledged the role it played in his early career.
“Everything I was doing when I was smoking weed, I was having anxieties. At a point, it was affecting me in the studio. I would just be lost in the middle. It wasn’t working anymore. I just had to stop,”
he revealed. This candid reflection underscores the internal struggles faced by artists who grapple with the pressures of fame and success while simultaneously battling their personal demons.
While Shmurda’s journey may be unique to him, his openness about his struggles with anxiety and substance use serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health. By sharing his story, Shmurda hopes to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges to seek help and support. “I just have to stop. That was earlier in my career. It wasn’t helping,” he concluded, offering a message of hope and resilience to those who may be struggling in silence.
As Bella Shmurda continues to navigate the highs and lows of fame, his decision to prioritize his mental well-being serves as a pointer to the strength and courage it takes to confront one’s demons and emerge stronger on the other side. With his raw honesty and unwavering authenticity, Shmurda reminds us that true creativity stems not from substance use, but from the depths of the human experience itself.
