Zimdancehall artist Poptain has admitted to grappling with mental health challenges, revealing he is undergoing therapy to address his struggles. The musician issued an apology to his fans for a leaked voice recording in which he lashed out at fellow artist Young Gemini, using derogatory language.
Speaking to H-Metro, Poptain acknowledged that 2023 has been a particularly difficult year for him, to the point of considering stepping away from music entirely.
In the leaked recording, Poptain is heard engaging in a heated argument with Young Gemini, during which he insulted and shamed the rapper. Reflecting on the incident, he explained that his actions stemmed from the pressure of battling depression.
“I am currently dealing with depression and have been seeing a therapist. This year has been very testing for me, and at one point, I even thought about quitting music,” he said. “I want to sincerely apologize to my fans for the language I used in the voice note. It’s not something I’m proud of, but I felt provoked. It’s clear to me now that it was the devil at work because that’s not the kind of person I am.”
He went on to explain the events that triggered the exchange.
“The promoters at the show asked me to introduce all the artists because I was the main act, and I complied. Later, I received a voice note from this young artist, insulting me and saying hurtful things. I was already dealing with personal issues, so I lashed out and said things I now regret deeply,” he said.
Poptain admitted feeling embarrassed about the incident, especially since his family, fans, and children might hear his outburst. He stopped responding, however, when Young Gemini reportedly began insulting his wife and car.
“I went to the show to promote peace, as the organizers requested, and did my best to engage with the crowd. I’m still puzzled as to what I did wrong,” he said.
Poptain also drew parallels to past incidents, mentioning his efforts to uplift female artists, which have sometimes backfired.
“This is similar to what happened with Anita. I helped her rise in the industry, but the situation was later turned against me, especially after rumors that we were dating. That experience also weighed heavily on me,” he shared.
He expressed frustration over persistent criticism, particularly when he stands up for himself in disputes over unpaid performances or other issues.
“Whenever I try to uplift others, I end up being criticized. When I speak out about not being paid, I’m portrayed as the bad guy. This negativity has taken a toll on me, but I’m a fighter and will remain strong,” he said.
Poptain concluded by stating his intention to take legal action regarding the leaked recording and assured his fans of his commitment to overcoming these challenges.
“To my fans, I’m sorry. I’ll do my best to stay strong and rise above this,” he said.
For comments, Feedback and Opinions do get in touch with our editor on WhatsApp: +44 7949 297606.
