Kenyan businesswoman and musician Akothee has urged people not to fall into the trap of lavish living just to impress others.
According to Akothee, many celebrities suffer in silence because they fear appearing vulnerable when sharing their struggles.
“You can be famous and still broke. Fame is not equal to wealth, riches, or liquidity. We are celebrated for being talented and inspirational, comic, or motivational.”
She went on to explain that living in a mansion does not necessarily mean one is happy, as isolation can lead to depression.
“People living in mansions can easily go into depression for detaching from the world. A bigger house doesn’t mean a happy life. Find yourself in a place where you feel warm.”
The Hidden Struggles of Fame
Akothee revealed that many public figures battle depression due to the pressures of living under constant scrutiny.
“I would like to tell you something no celebrity or public figure will admit for fear of looking vulnerable. We always want to show you the strongest side of our lives, but trust me, when the cameras are off, our lives are just as messy, if not worse, than yours.”
She further explained that celebrities also go through relationship struggles like everyone else.
“We fight and quarrel with our spouses. Some of us pack and leave on a daily basis. We go into hiding to reorganize ourselves, then come back on camera like nothing happened.”
Akothee stressed that despite their public image, many celebrities struggle with financial and personal issues.
“Most of us struggle to pay bills, rent, and hospital expenses just like you. Many have battled depression since entering the world of fame, mainly because we can’t just be ourselves or live a life free from scrutiny or attacks.”
She also touched on family struggles, revealing that some public figures are estranged from their loved ones in search of peace and mental stability.
“Some of us have painfully detached from our only family for the sake of our mental health. Some are still having baby mama/baby daddy fights in private until it spills into the media.”
The Reality Behind the Glamour
Akothee cautioned that while some celebrities may appear successful and happy, many are struggling behind the scenes.
“Some of us have been thrown out by landlords for failing to pay rent. Some are drowning in bank debts. Some struggle with prescription drugs, from ARVs to other medications. Some don’t even know if they have a maternal home or were simply born and raised in town.”
She also pointed out that social media is often misleading, as many of the things celebrities showcase are not actually theirs.
“Some celebrities can’t conceive, yet people pressure them to show a baby bump. Some are stuck in dead relationships because breaking up would hurt their brand and business. Most of what you see us enjoying—luxury trips, high-end meals, expensive outfits—is often given for free as part of our brand deals.
“SHOWBIZ is SHOW & BUSINESS. Once the show is over, we go back to our normal lives.”
Her Advice? Stay True to Yourself
Akothee urged people not to fall for social media pressure or measure their success based on what celebrities showcase online.
“Never allow social media pressures to make you swallow your tongue. We are in business.”
by PENINAH NJOKI
