Nigerian reggae legend, Majek Fashek recently spent some time at a rehab facility in Abuja as part of his struggles to overcome an addiction to drugs and alcohol.
The Rain make, as he is fondly called, has since left the Rehab facility and recently performed at the 2015 edition of the annual Felabration festival in honour of the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Majek recently spoke to Daily Post about recent happenings in life. He said he is grateful to God for being alive today while noting that his addiction problem is over.
“To fully explain what the rehab was to me, I have a song titled, a living dog is better than a dead lion. It captures how I feel. I give thanks to the Most High for where I am today.
For me, it was an opportunity to dry out. They say recovering addicts return from rehab dry, but, somehow, after a month or a year they go back to their old habit but I must say I have been vilified. I have heard people say all sorts of things about me, but I need people to understand that stress can make anyone do anything. It is true that I have an addiction, but I trust that I will be fine,” Majek explained.
He also went on to explain that drinking and smoking is part of an artiste’s life. He also noted that he is working on an alternative source of inspiration for himself:
“Growing up, I never tasted alcohol or smoke but you know, it is actually part of the lifestyle of a performing musician.
You must be high. But now, I am working on an alternative form of inspiration. And I am not the only one. In many genres of music, from reggae to rock, one needs to be high to play some rock songs.”
For certain genres of music, you must be high, like highlife, rock music, reggae. For a man like Bob Marley to maintain that level, it must not have been easy. But I have calmed down, and will find a way. Now I am cold, very cold. I will try to do music without using drugs.”
Majek also issued a warning to upcoming artistes about drugs, alchohol and womanising.
“If you want to go far in music, as an upcoming act, don’t womanise. Stay away from hard drugs and too much alcohol.
“It is one thing to go into rehab and another to come out.
“The doctors gave me first class treatment, but God healed me, and I give him the credit. Only God and the Lord Jesus Christ can deliver.
“The good thing about rehab for me is that it helped to right my image.”
