Renowned Ghanaian gospel singer, Diana Hamilton, has issued a strong warning to fellow musicians, urging them to steer clear of drug use as a means of enhancing their stage performances.
Speaking on United Showbiz last Saturday, the award-winning singer emphasized that artistes possess the natural ability to deliver electrifying performances without resorting to substance abuse.
She encouraged musicians to seek professional help and rely on faith rather than drugs to overcome performance anxiety and personal struggles.
“I seek the face of the Holy Spirit before I get on stage. People who don’t have any form of backing think they need to take drugs to give them the adrenaline to get on stage. Most people in other parts of the world who are creatives have therapists.”
Diana highlighted the lack of emotional and psychological support in the industry, which often pushes some musicians into substance dependence.
She stressed that having a therapist or a strong faith in God could help artistes manage the pressures of the music industry.
“These people visit their therapists and tell them their problems. They explain whether their songs are doing well or not.”
The gospel singer further expressed concern about how some artistes glorify drug use, urging the music community to discourage such behavior.
She called for prayers and support for struggling musicians, mentioning veteran artiste Okomfour Kwadee as an example of someone who needs help rather than condemnation.
“We need to pray for Kwadee. We need to make creatives realise that you don’t need drugs to jump on stage. Don’t let us glorify drugs or preach about them, as it may encourage kids to look for them.”
Diana also noted that fear and anxiety before performances often push some artistes to use substances as a coping mechanism.
“When we go on stage, we get scared and start praying for God’s guidance. Some artistes, however, desire additional support, which sometimes leads them to use drugs or even smoke before interviews.”
She concluded by calling for collective support within the music industry to promote healthier ways of dealing with performance anxiety and career pressures.
“We need to support each other and show that drugs are not the way to succeed in music.”
Diana Hamilton’s comments add to the ongoing conversation about mental health and substance abuse in the entertainment industry, sparking discussions on how artistes can find healthier ways to thrive in their careers.
