Chizmo Sting takes on mental health
Mental health has emerged as one of the challenges in the modern era that has seen a drastic rise in suicide cases.
Different stakeholders and individuals have raised their voices to try and remedy the situation.
Joining the bandwagon is dancehall musician Chizmo Sting who has recently released what he described as ‘edu-tainment musical project’ strictly focusing on mental health. The five-track extended play, titled Stay Alive, explores different thematic areas surrounding mental health.
The title track employs a spiritual tone, with the artist denouncing suicide as solution to any challenge that one faces. The song reminds people that life offers different reasons for one to live and that no matter what people need to stay alive.
The musician told Chill the project reflects on mental health issues, especially considering how challenging the problem has been to many youths. Chizmo Sting said he was inspired by his own personal experience.
The Lilongwe-based artist said he once faced mental health challenges, but never considered taking his own life as a solution.
“Suicide is not a solution and has never been. Life will always be challenging and that helps us to grow stronger mentally. We need to hold on to life because God is keeping us here for a reason despite whatever we are going through,” he said.
The artist said he believes the messages in the songs will help bring comfort and encouragement to those who are troubled.
Chizmo Sting said by employing art to tackle the issue, he will reach out to some sections of society that are neglected.
He said: “We are living in an era where social media is the biggest market for information. Art is an enabler and offers a strong base in terms of information dissemination. These two platforms give us a real advantage to reach out to more people.”
In a separate interview, counsellor and mental health clinician Dr Mathero Michelle Nkhalamba, who worked with the artist on the project, said her role was to help Chizmo Sting communicate about mental health.
“There has always been shortage of mental health experts in the country coupled with low mental health literacy and growing psychological problems. We have cultural ways of containing trauma and social support, but we need more structures to provide professional support,” she said.
Nkhalamba said art, especially music, allows individuals to express feelings that might be hard to verbalise, such as grief, anxiety and trauma. She said the lyrics in music can help people externalise internal emotions, making it easier to confront and process them.
She said: “For those who have experienced trauma, music is effective in helping them process and heal. Art allows people to communicate their trauma in ways that feel less intrusive than talk therapy which is especially beneficial for those who find it hard to discuss painful memories.
“Other forms of art, art therapy, group art sessions or community art projects can foster social bonds and reduce isolation. Participating in art alongside others creates a shared experience that helps build trust and empathy and improve social well-being and mental health.”
The album was recorded at different studios and by different producers such as Cuff B, Vidediex Fyah, Chux, Nator 21 and Drue.
Other songs in the album include Tired, I am Okay, Leka, Call and the title track Stay Alive.