Jerry Anaabaa, popularly known as Okomfuor Kwadee
The former Ghana Music Awards winner for Best Original Song/Lyrics, who has been on a musical hiatus due to issues concerning his mental health, was recently seen in a viral video excitedly performing for a crowd.
In the video, the "Ataa Adwoa" hitmaker looked scruffy and out of sorts. Kwadee, per media reports, has been mentally unstable for some time now, having been released from a rehabilitation centre in 2021.
In a recent interview granted to Joy FM, Mr. Ezekiel Aguyire, who is a family member, confirmed Kwadee's mental struggles and further made it known that the singer is lodging in the Upper East Region to recuperate from his drug-related issues.
He also bemoaned the lack of financial support as a major hindrance to the artiste's recovery because of the family's inability to make payments for treatment.
He further added that Kwadee's mother also does not grant industry players an audience to contribute to the artiste's recovery, stating that he relapses anytime he associates with industry players.
Many entertainers resort to the use of drugs to enhance their performances. Many a time, some are coerced by their handlers to do it in order to be at their very best, and ignorantly, they buy into it.
Some others abuse drugs on their own volition. Over time, they start showing signs of deterioration. When they are no longer useful due to drug abuse, they are dumped and left to their fate.
A classic example is fine keyboardist Kiki Gyan, who died a pauper after losing all his money to drugs. All his friends who spurred him on in times of glory abandoned him when things became tough to the extent of not being able to afford a decent meal.
One may ask about the whereabouts of the monies Kwadee made when he was actively singing. Did he invest or he has also lost it to drugs? Is it not obvious?
Kwadee has contributed immensely to the music industry, and Ghana can not afford to lose this precious jewel to drugs. As a matter of urgency, he should be kept away from the public eye and given the best of treatments.
The million-dollar question is who will bear the cost of treatment. Music groups like MUSIGA and GHAMRO could be of immense help in these trying moments. He may not be a member in good standing, but if funds are available, he should not be denied help.
The Ministry for Tourism, Arts and Culture should engage his family and key industry players in bailing Kwadee out of his current deplorable situation by instituting a fund that will help absorb the bills.
Additionally, well-meaning Ghanaians should support the family to lift this heavy load off their fragile shoulders by contributing financially and in kind toward his recovery.
Kwadee's mother should be made to understand that it takes a whole village to raise a child, so as much as she is protecting her son from harm, she cannot do it all by herself. She needs the assistance of all and sundry to expedite the process of recovery.
The event organizers who are exploiting the musician due to his current state should bow their heads in shame. You don't use the woes of a fallen hero to your advantage. It is so wrong to book him for shows knowing that he has no control over his mental faculties just to make financial gains.
Kwadee's story is a lesson to his compatriots, upcoming musicians, and all who care to glean invaluable lessons from his fall from grace to grass.
Drugs have never helped anyone and never will. Rather, you will lose your dignity when you hit rock bottom. Avoid drugs like the plague and be free!
