Controvery almost pushed me to depression – Carter Efe

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By Enitan Abdultawab

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Online streamer Carter Efe has revealed that public backlash and controversy almost drove him into depression, recalling how the reaction to his hit track ‘Machala’ affected his mental health and early career journey.

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Speaking in a recent interview with BBC Pidgin, he said the criticism that followed the song led to intense online dragging, where he was labelled a rapper and thief, and insulted over his appearance.

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“People always say I’m controversial, but controversy almost pushed me into depression. After I dropped ‘Machala,’ people dragged but I have grown over it. I am not going back there,” he said.

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He added that even while travelling to Dubai at the time, he was still battling depression and unable to enjoy his fame. According to him, he has now become mentally stronger and less affected by online criticism.

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“Now, I don’t care. If you drag me from now till tomorrow, I cannot be moved,” he stated.

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Efe also spoke about the difficulties of the streaming economy, describing the music industry as “very difficult” and mentally draining. He said he once struggled to get people to stream his songs and was shocked by how little revenue artistes earn from streaming platforms.

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He claimed he previously believed releasing music guaranteed financial success, but later realised artistes may earn far less than expected from streaming income.

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On his rivalry with musician Portable, Efe said his decision to enter boxing was driven by anger and past grievances, adding that their issues fueled his aggression during preparations.

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“I entered boxing with the plan to kill Portable. He has done so many bad things off camera and that was what fuelled my anger inside the ring.

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“They say Speed Darlington wants to fight me. I am ready for him. I will destroy his waist,” he said.

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Beyond the controversies, he made a surprising comment about Wizkid, saying he admires his music but does not like his personality.

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“I love Wizkid and his craft but I do not like his personality.”

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