Lil Kesh Opens Up on ADHD, Anxiety, and Nigeria’s Broken Systems
During a candid interview on The Esther Show, Nigerian rapper Lil Kesh shared deeply personal insights into his struggles with mental health, offering fans a glimpse into the challenges he has faced behind the music. Known for his energetic stage presence and streetwise lyrics, the artiste surprised many with his vulnerability during the conversation.
Lil Kesh revealed that while he avoids putting a strict label on himself, he has long experienced symptoms aligned with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). “I diagnosed myself, but trust me, I know,” he said. “Everyone has a little of it in them, but it becomes a problem when it turns into a disorder. I’ve had my fair share since I was a child.”
He explained that his symptoms often go beyond the typical restlessness people associate with being “a little hyper.” Instead, it’s been a lifelong experience that has shaped how he views the world and manages stress.
One of the major triggers for his anxiety, he noted, is emotional uncertainty. “Dealing with things, anything can cause anxiety. But I believe that lack of clarity can cause anxiety for me. Once I know what I’m dealing with or what type of emotions I’m dealing with, then my problem is half solved and the anxiety goes away.”
Despite being so self-aware, Lil Kesh admitted that he has never been to therapy. His reasons reflect a broader conversation around mental health access in Nigeria. “When I needed it the most, I wasn’t privileged to get it,” he said, adding that trust issues and what he described as “substandard mental health support” have kept him from seeking professional help.
Lil Kesh didn’t stop at personal revelations—he also turned his lens toward Nigeria’s deeper societal issues. He expressed frustration over the country’s stagnant development and systemic dysfunction. “Change in Nigeria is going to take years; it’s not happening anytime soon,” he warned. “The earlier we make peace with that, the better for us. It could happen over time, but no be tomorrow.”
He urged Nigerians to continue striving for progress while also tempering their expectations. “We’re trying our best,” he said. “We’re trying now.”
The artiste contrasted Nigeria’s challenges with the more structured systems he has observed in the UK. “On the roads in Nigeria, everyone is mad. It’s lawless,” he remarked. “Here in the UK, there are speed limits, restrictions… things work.”
Lil Kesh’s interview sparked admiration for his honesty and reignited conversations around mental health, governance, and the importance of societal reform. His willingness to speak openly reflects a growing movement among Nigerian entertainers who are using their platforms to advocate for both personal and national healing.
