Nigerian Afrobeats star, Bella Shmurda, recently said on a podcast that he stopped smoking marijuana after developing anxiety disorder.
“I don’t smoke igbo [weed] anymore. I used to, but I began experiencing anxiety whenever I smoked. I started to feel scared about what the future held,” Shmurda confessed during the podcast.
Although he admitted he still smokes cigarettes and drink alcohol, Shmurda emphasized his decision to distance himself from weed, highlighting its negative impact on his mental well-being.
Contrary to the popular belief that marijuana enhances creativity, Shmurda disclosed that it hindered rather than fueled his artistic process.
“Despite claims that smoking weed boosts creativity, it wasn’t helping me in my case. I found myself experiencing anxiety whenever I indulged, and it began to affect my work in the studio. I would feel lost and disconnected, hindering rather than aiding my creativity,” said.
Shmurda’s revelation sheds light on the complexities of substance use within the creative industry and underscores the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being.
Another Afrobeats star Timaya last month detailed how he got hooked on drug and the negative effects it had on him.
The dancehall artist disclosed to The Beat FM on Thursday that he was introduced to Molly by some “young guys” during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“I am not a saint,” Timaya said on the Morning Rush Show.
“I have done drugs, and it was a hell breaking from it. It was a tough fight, I went to this young guy’s home, and everybody was happy.
“I took the drugs and I didn’t understand myself. I was happy, so happy that I dashed all the money in my pocket.”
