This archive report was first published on 5 July 2019.
On a somber note, rapper Octopizzo has been reflecting on his life and the impact of mental health on the youth. Speaking at a Headspace254 event at the Kenya Cultural Centre on Wednesday, he shared his personal struggles with mental health.
Octopizzo's journey with mental health began after the tragic death of a young fan, Kenneth Abom, who jumped out of a window in his apartment. The incident left a lasting impact on Octopizzo, who has since made it his mission to talk openly about mental health.
'I have thought about mental health in two critical times, the first time was when I lost my mother at 14 years. I have had to deal with it since then. The other time was when a boy jumped off a house and died,' Octopizzo shared.
He emphasized the importance of addressing mental health issues, saying, 'The more we talk openly about suicide, the better equipped we will be to help people who are struggling with suicidal ideation and those directly affected by the loss of a loved one.'
Octopizzo's decision to speak out about his struggles with mental health comes after a year of harsh allegations, including being involved in the death of Kenneth Abom. However, he has since moved on and is now focusing on using his platform to raise awareness about mental health.
