This is Charles Novia's article on depression as published on his website
I was having a conversation a day before Robin Williams’ suicide with my daughter, Nosa, about Majek Fashek and how I managed him and his career for 6 years (2005-2011) and released his hit album ‘Little Patience’ on my label, November Records.
When she saw visuals of how handsome and vibrant Majek used to look and his recent visuals of his emaciated and scraggly look, she was touched and pained.
Especially when I told her that Majek is battling with a form of depression and other ‘spiritual’ stuff he has openly confessed to in some media interviews.
My association and personal input and friendship with Majek can fill many books all over. Someday….
But the key word right now is ‘Depression”.
Robin Williams died a few days ago of an apparent suicide. He had been battling drug addiction and depression for years. The great actor and comedian who blessed our screens with fantastic roles such as The Genie in the animated smash hit, ‘”Aladdin” and the splendid ‘Mrs Doubtfire’ among other characters he played, is no more.
Depression.
Those who are blessed with the sprinkling of Heaven’s creative dust more-often-than-not carry a huge personal burden. In Robin Williams’ case it is a wonder that one who could make the world so happy through his art battled sadness and mental illness in his personal life. Despite this, he made us happy.
Depression.
As the world mourns his death, it is instructive to note that he is being celebrated on Western media for his ART. His battle with drugs and depression is glossed over. Oyinbo nor dey look that tin as big deal.
To them, what matters is that one came, impacted, fought and left.
Our people should learn from this. An artiste dies and all the headlines would scream about the negatives of the artist just to sell copies. They would celebrate the bad side of that artiste as if the person never made any positive impact in his/her life.
I tell you, it is not only artists who battle Depression. Many people in Nigeria, in all facets of life, are manic but they don’t just know it.
Those who are blessed with the sprinkling of Heaven’s creative dust more-often-than-not carry a huge personal burden. In Robin Williams’ case it is a wonder that one who could make the world so happy through his art battled sadness and mental illness in his personal life. Despite this, he made us happy.
Depression.
As the world mourns his death, it is instructive to note that he is being celebrated on Western media for his ART. His battle with drugs and depression is glossed over. Oyinbo nor dey look that tin as big deal.
To them, what matters is that one came, impacted, fought and left.
Our people should learn from this. An artiste dies and all the headlines would scream about the negatives of the artist just to sell copies. They would celebrate the bad side of that artiste as if the person never made any positive impact in his/her life.
I tell you, it is not only artists who battle Depression. Many people in Nigeria, in all facets of life, are manic but they don’t just know it.
Yeah we all have issues,so when did suicide become a solution
ReplyDeleteTrue talk! We all have issues we battling with! Buh suicide is definitely not d answer to depression.
ReplyDeletea.k.a EDWIN CHINEDU AZUBUKO said...
ReplyDelete.
Making sense post no doubt about that....
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***CURRENTLY IN JUPITER***
@Atinuke u no dey change that ur dress? year to year that same dress. breast sef don fall finish
ReplyDelete*CUTEMICKY*
Better pass ur sisters own
DeleteTrue. I'm suicidal too
ReplyDeleteThis Charles Novia looks depressed and like a maniac
ReplyDeleteDepression leads to suicide...in the long run! Simple test of depression: How negative are you? Check out the comments above. Every single post is negative! It portrays how much you hate yourself without even knowing it. Hmmmm! Charles is right. Too much cynicism, scorn, contempt and negativity in this earth. Please have a good word for everyone today, biko nu!
ReplyDeleteWell said. I myself suffer from depression attimes
ReplyDeleteI like the way his ART is celebrated, rather than his personal struggles.
ReplyDeleteWe Nigerians like to play the ostrich on issues like this.
I was once depressed over my SAHM status a certain time because of the words I heard from people around me and blogs.
I over came it through the help of my hubby with words of love and encouragement.
Today, I wear the SAHM with pride, because when I relocated, I saw that they are respected in the society for the role they are playing.
http://newdawn40.blogspot.com/2014/02/wearing-it-with-pride.html
Robin rest in peace.
He was one of my fav comedians.
Correct the headline, it is manic not maniac. Thought it was Charles novia that made the mistake but realized it's u emeh.
ReplyDeleteCorrect the headline, it is manic not maniac. Thought it was Charles novia that made the mistake but realized it's u emeh.
ReplyDeleteespecially those igbo people...when they are in love they go crazy!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're a useless man Charles Novia!!!
ReplyDeleteDid Majek Fashek tell you to broadcast his Depression publicly?
For you information, Manic Depression is not the same as Depression.
And definitely has no connection to being a Maniac.