Renowned Ghanaian musican and songwriter, Kwabena Kwabena has weighed in on the ongoing conversation about drug abuse in the entertainment industry, emphasizing that it is not a new societal issue.
According to him, substance abuse has been prevalent for decades, dating back to when legendary reggae icon Bob Marley openly glorified marijuana use in interviews. Kwabena Kwabena pointed out that history has shown how drug abuse often leads to unfortunate outcomes for artists who become dependent on substances. He advised musicians to recognize the dangers of addiction, noting that when an artist reaches a point where they cannot function without drugs, it is a clear sign of a serious problem.
Sharing his personal experience, the Adult Music hitmaker revealed that he had previously used marijuana (wee) as part of his stage routine early in his career. However, after taking time to reflect on its impact on his health, he decided to quit.
“I realized I performed the same way whether I took wee or not. I was still the same me, and there wasn’t much difference,” he stated.
Despite acknowledging that drugs can heighten energy levels and create a certain performance boost, Kwabena Kwabena, during a conversation on UTV’s United Showbiz last Saturday, stressed that artists need to find a balance and understand how these substances affect them individually.
“Yes, it has its own way of enhancing you and giving you that sort of different energy,” he admitted. “Some artists may feel they need it to perform in a certain way on stage, but it’s important to strike a balance and know how it truly impacts you.”
He further noted that drug use has become more visible in today’s digital era due to the widespread use of social media, smartphones, and cameras. He argued that while drug abuse is not new, modern technology has made it easier to showcase such lifestyles, making them appear more common.
Kwabena Kwabena’s comments come in the wake of the latest viral video of hiplife legend Okomfour Kwadee, who was seen in a frail state, sparking fresh concerns over his long-standing battle with substance abuse and mental health issues. His struggles have reignited discussions on drug use among musicians and the need for support systems to help those affected.