Speaking during an interview with Arise News, the artiste discussed his four-year break from music, his mental health journey, the debate surrounding the phrase “Olodo Uprising” and his concerns about Nigeria’s education system and political direction.
YCEE also urged young Nigerians to take a more active role in shaping the country’s future, arguing that citizens must hold leaders accountable and demand better governance.
Artist Opens Up About Mental Health Journey
Reflecting on his absence from the music scene, YCEE said he stepped away from his career to focus on his health after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2020.
The rapper explained that the decision was driven by the need to prioritise his physical and mental wellbeing.
“I think for me was, you know, it was much of my body and my mind just letting me know that I needed to take time to take care of myself. And, you know, within that time, I delved deep into mental health because in 2020, I was diagnosed with a mental health condition,” he said.
YCEE revealed that he received the diagnosis in London during the COVID-19 lockdown, describing the period as one that deepened his understanding of mental health challenges.
He said the experience exposed the need for greater awareness, more accessible mental healthcare services and a reduction in the stigma often associated with mental health discussions in Nigeria.
“Olodo Uprising” Debate and Society’s Relationship With Ignorance
Addressing the conversation around the phrase “Olodo Uprising,” which recently gained attention online, YCEE clarified that he was not the originator of the expression but said the discussion reflected a broader social concern.
According to the artiste, society appears to be increasingly accepting ignorance instead of encouraging learning and critical thinking.
“I think one thing that I’ve noticed, especially stemming from the fallout of the conversation is that, you know, a lot of people are now more comfortable, you know, speaking to ignorance because I think it’s going to a point where people have believed so much in ignorance being bliss to the point that now it’s like, you know, people believe that ignorance should be celebrated.”
He also stressed that financial success should not come at the cost of personal values, integrity or self-respect.
“I don’t think there’s any bag that would be worth my integrity and dignity,” he said.
Criticism of Political Leadership and Education System
YCEE placed much of Nigeria’s social and economic challenges on the country’s political leadership, arguing that many leaders have failed to prioritise the needs of citizens.
He said meaningful discussions about improving education and public services must begin with those in positions of authority.
“I think the first step in the conversation has to sit with our rulers because I don’t necessarily look at the Nigerian ruling class and think there’s any leadership going on there,” he said.
The rapper accused some political officeholders of entering government primarily for personal benefit rather than public service.
“At the end of the day, like we’ve seen it time and time again, these people come into office. And I think the main priority is just self enrichment and just a total disregard for the common man and the layman at the end of the day.”
He argued that many leaders are disconnected from the daily struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians because they often do not rely on public institutions.
“Their children don’t attend our schools. So they can’t possibly understand how bad the educational system is. They don’t use our hospitals. So they don’t think that, you know, our healthcare struggles are important.”
Warning Over Rising Cost of Education
The musician expressed concern that increasing education costs and declining standards could eventually make quality education a privilege available only to a few.
“I think it’s becoming a thing where it’s going to get to a point where education is going to be looked at as luxury and in a population where a larger percentage of that population are not able to afford that luxury, then we’re doomed.”
He said improving education should remain a national priority because access to quality learning opportunities directly affects Nigeria’s future development.
Call for Youth Engagement in Governance
YCEE encouraged young Nigerians to become more involved in civic discussions and demand accountability from elected representatives.
He said citizens must actively communicate their expectations to leaders and ensure that government decisions reflect public interests.
“You need to put it to your leaders and your representatives to pursue your best interests,” he said.
The rapper maintained that young people have an important role to play in shaping Nigeria’s future, stressing that effective governance requires citizens who are informed, engaged and willing to hold leaders accountable.