Iyanya Reveals Devastating Loss of Three Family Members Since he Started his Music Career

Afrobeats star performed minutes after learning of mother’s death, continued career despite consecutive family tragedies

Nigerian entertainment industry was moved this week as popular singer Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk opened up about a series of devastating family losses that coincided with the early stages of his music career.

In a candid interview with media personality Hero Daniels, the “Kukere” hitmaker revealed he lost three immediate family members within a two-year period, creating what he described as “the lowest points of my life.”

The timing of these tragedies proved particularly challenging for the artist. According to Iyanya, his father passed away approximately one week before he secured his first major record deal. The loss was followed immediately by his brother’s death, which occurred just as his debut was gaining momentum in the industry.

The most heartbreaking revelation concerned his mother’s death, which occurred on the day of a scheduled performance. Speaking about the incident, Iyanya recounted receiving the devastating news just four minutes before taking the stage.

“The day my mom died, I had a show, I was at the backstage. I think four minutes to my performance, my mom’s junior brother was calling me back-to-back. So, I picked the call and he goes like, your mom is dead. I still performed despite my devastation,” the singer disclosed.

The artist’s decision to continue with his performance despite receiving such traumatic news has drawn widespread admiration from fans and industry colleagues, highlighting the professionalism and resilience that has characterized his career.

Iyanya, who rose to prominence in the early 2010s with hits like “Kukere” and “Your Waist,” has previously been private about his personal struggles, making this revelation particularly significant for understanding the challenges he faced during his career ascent.

The singer’s openness about his grief and loss comes at a time when mental health awareness is gaining increased attention within Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with several artists sharing their personal struggles to help others facing similar challenges.

Since these early career tragedies, Iyanya has continued to be a prominent figure in Nigerian music, collaborating with major artists and maintaining his position as one of Afrobeats’ established voices.

The interview with Hero Daniels marks one of the singer’s most personal public discussions about his family life and the personal costs of his professional success.