Strauss Lunyangwe

The rate of suicide, especially among men, has set off alarm bells countrywide. In an effort to help others while also dealing with mental health issues himself, kwaito artist Shotgun, real name Tulonga Fillemon, recently released a single titled ‘Mental Health’.

He told VIBEZ! that his surroundings triggered him to compose this motivational song. “If it’s not suicide, it’s killing or rape. But if you look carefully – 90% of these are mental health problems because it’s either stress, depression or drugs and alcohol abuse,” said Shotgun.

Although he has not been medically diagnosed with it, the artist said he too has experienced some sort of mental challenges along the way. “I know I have experienced mental health problems. When things are not going my way, I have to deal with depression and stress, which is common in young people. So, I haven’t sought medical help, but I have found a way to heal spiritually because I believe you cannot heal mentally if you are spiritually sick. You have to find peace within yourself to be mentally healthy.”

Shotgun appealed for more awareness campaigns to educate people about the cause of mental health disorders and related problems. But in the meantime, he is doing his part. “I am not waiting for government. Government and the corporate world should find me on the way. I am not waiting for them to answer my calls since this problem needs us all,” he explained.

Shotgun further pleaded with those who contemplate suicide to “find a good friend whom you can talk to about your feelings before you make drastic decisions that will lead you to your demise”.

“Let’s stop the stigma surrounding mental health problems. Be tolerant, and give a shoulder or a helping hand to those directly or indirectly affected by mental health problems. We are the leaders of tomorrow, not the graves of today,” he stated.

Recently, Windhoek Mayor Sadé Gawanas told VIBEZ! that in any recovery, the first step is to acknowledge the struggle or having a problem. She was pleased to hear that some artists are open to discussing mental health issues, saying the support structures for mental health issues and those suffering must become a priority.

Meanwhile, Shotgun has been busy in and outside the studio “planning big things”.

“This year, I am busy with my festival (Chillers Weekend Festival) scheduled for next year at the Sam Nujoma stadium on a date to be announced soon on my social media platforms. Basically, I am busy planning big things to build an empire for my kids.” 

In 2020, the artist struggled to promote his 6th studio album titled ‘The Power of a hustler’ because of the Covid pandemic that brought the world to a standstill. “The album came during the pandemic when it was hard to promote it. But I managed to put it out in all digital stores worldwide without hard copies.” Shotgun is planning to shoot the video for ‘Mental Health’ before the year ends, and urged anybody willing to fund the video production to come on board.

- slunyangwe@nepc.com.na