In the wake of gospel singer Papa Dennis’ untimely death, different celebrities have come out to mourn the artist and share their last moments or how his death has impacted them.
Former TPF contestant Didier Madzayo is the latest artist who has come out to mourn the singer who died on Friday night in what the police have established as suicide.
Depression might be the reason why Papa Dennis committed suicide and according to Madzayo, many celebs —him included— find themselves in this position more than the public thinks.
“One may easily think that superstars or celebrities have it all,” said Madzayo in an Instagram post mourning the artist.
“Well, the truth is that depression can affect celebrities too. Let me enlighten you, —wealth and fame are no protection against this debilitating health condition. I am a victim of depression and I’ve seen some dark times, especially with the depressive phase of the illness.”
Witnesses say that Papa was in a studio session at Nairobi Records, owned by legendary producer Mash Mjukuu, when he stormed out of the room and fell from the 7th floor of the Ngara building and died immediately.
A lot of celebs have come out to speak about depression in the industry and contribute to ways they can help fight it. Didier, who is also a singer and was in TPF Six, shared his journey battling depression saying that it has been one of the toughest places he’s ever been in mentally.
“I did not speak up for years of what I have been and still going through,” said the singer who’s also the son of Kilifi Senator Stewart Mwachiru Shadrack.
“Preachers and other spiritual people once told me I got a demon and needed deliverance. If they only knew how much I prayed fasted and sought the face of God. There was very little or no empathy, especially from spiritual people.”
Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Madzayo is now a mental health brand ambassador who is advocating for positive mental health. Through his social media accounts, the musician has been aiding celebrities and common wananchi deal with depression and avoid undergoing the same path the late Papa Dennis followed.