“I attempted to take myself to Zayuni a bunch of times” - Kenyan singer, CHARISMA, opens up on battle with depression
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 - Kenyan musician Fidel Shammah, popularly known as Charisma, has opened up on his battle with depression, revealing how he reached one of the lowest points in his life. Speaking on a popular podcast, Charisma admitted that he struggled with his mental health to the point of contemplating taking his life multiple times. He explained that the situation was triggered by a combination of personal setbacks and career frustrations. “I fell into proper depression in 2020. Like, I was depressed for real, I tried to take my life a bunch of times.” “I was in the pits because you see, for me, let me tell you everything that had happened,” he said. Charisma revealed that his five-year relationship ended during this period, not because his partner left him, but because he was unable to function as a supportive boyfriend. “My 5-year relationship ended because I felt like my career was not doing well.” “And not because the girl left me because of that. But because I was spiralling.” “I wasn’t able to be like a proper boyfriend to her,” he explained. The singer also spoke about the pressure of choosing music over law, a decision that weighed heavily when his career did not progress as expected. “And then, I had chosen to do music over law. Now this music thing is refusing,” he said. Adding to the strain, Charisma said his parents urged him to return to study law, believing his music path was failing. “My parents are giving me a lot of pressure, they are just like, go back to this thing, to law, because this thing you are doing isn’t working.” “And of course, the music is not moving,” he recalled. However, his persistence and hardwork eventually paid off and Charisma is currently one of the most sought-after entertainers in the country. The Sina Noma hit-maker’s candid story has resonated widely, offering hope and relatability to fans who may be facing similar struggles. The Kenyan DAILY POST
Ladun Liadi -