May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to break stigmas, foster open conversations and remind ourselves that it’s completely okay to not be okay. As part of our special coverage this month, we’re exploring the therapeutic power of music and its ability to hold space for our darkest moments.
When words fail or the weight of the world feels too heavy to carry, a song can often serve as a lifeline. While the Nigerian music scene is globally known for its dance-floor-ready songs, it also has incredibly vulnerable and introspective music.
If you are navigating a rough patch, fighting silent battles, or need to feel understood, we have picked a song for those heavy days when you aren’t feeling okay.
Victony turns anxiety, pressure and exhaustion into a song but doesn’t let things sink totally into despair. It reminds you that you’re not the only person trying to hold yourself together while life is sprinting laps around you.
“It’s Okay To Cry” — Yinka Bernie feat. Joyce Olong
Few Nigerian songs speak directly about sadness. Over soft, lo-fi production, Yinka Bernie and Joyce Olong make space for vulnerability without trying to fix it. Sometimes, hearing someone say “it’s okay to cry” is enough to loosen the knot in your chest.
This song is found in PayBac iBoro’s deeply personal album CULT!. It’s a raw conversation about depression and suicidal thoughts in Nigeria. PayBac documents it plainly, almost like reading pages from a private journal. It’s honest, difficult music that can make listeners dealing with dark thoughts feel seen rather than isolated.
“Sip (Alcohol)” is about wanting a temporary escape from emotional stress. Joeboy captures the urge to mute heartbreak, disappointment and overthinking for just one night. If you have your drink beside you, take a sip and stay strong.
Here, Llona leans into faith and the search for reassurance when life starts feeling too heavy to carry alone. The song carries hope, which makes it hit harder.
Runtown channels survival and positivity into a soft, breezy Afropop jam. When you’re feeling drained or defeated, this song reminds you you’ve survived worse days before.
“Odeshi” — Alpha Ojini feat. Ogranya
Alpha Ojini and Ogranya made this song to confront grief and the societal expectation of men to not cry. It also explores suicidal thoughts and loneliness. This is for anyone who feels like life is hitting below the belt and it’s a reminder to not give in.
Rema gets emotional here, singing about protecting his sanity as he navigates pressure and expectations. The song says sometimes, the biggest flex isn’t success, but peace of mind. It’s music for people trying to silence noise both around and inside them.
“PRAY” — BNXN
“PRAY” sits in that fragile space between fear and faith, where you’re uncertain about tomorrow but still hopeful enough to ask for better days. It’s a comforting song.
“soso” — OMAH LAY
“soso” is grief, heartbreak, anxiety and escapism blended into one hypnotic song. OMAH LAY’s delivery is deeply wounded, expressing what it feels like to move through pain on autopilot. It’s the soundtrack for people trying to dance while silently falling apart.
Need support? Here are some Nigerian mental health resources that may help.
Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) — Youth-focused mental health support
mentallyaware.org | Crisis support: +234 916 841 7413
She Writes Woman — Free teletherapy & crisis helpline
shewriteswoman.org | +234 800 800 2000
SURPIN — Suicide prevention & crisis intervention
surpinng.com | 080 0078 7746
Asido Foundation — Emotional wellness assessments & 24/7 Helpline
asidofoundation.com | +234 902 808 0416National Emergency Helpline: 112
