Flavour shares emotional story of beating addiction after two years

By Ihuoma Inyama

Nigerian highlife star Chinedu Okoli, popularly known as Flavour, has shared a deeply personal story about overcoming a two-year addiction, revealing that the experience remains one of the most challenging periods of his life.

Speaking during a candid TikTok Live session with fans and friends, the award-winning singer disclosed that the addiction began after he lost contact with the woman he said he lost his virginity to at the age of 24. According to Flavour, the emotional impact of the separation left him struggling to cope, eventually leading him into a cycle he found difficult to break.

The singer explained that, at the time, there were no smartphones or instant messaging platforms. He said the woman had given him her email address, but after repeatedly visiting cyber cafés in hopes of receiving a reply without success, he eventually gave up.

Flavour admitted that the situation led him to seek unhealthy ways of dealing with his emotions, describing the addiction as something that gradually took control of his life. He said the problem became so overwhelming that he felt ashamed and isolated, unsure of who to confide in.

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Determined to find help, the musician said he approached his mother’s pastor, who offered him spiritual guidance through prayers, Bible passages and a 21-day fasting programme. Although he initially believed he was making progress, Flavour revealed that he relapsed within days after returning to perform at a show.

He later sought advice from an older Cameroonian bassist in his band, whom he trusted enough to tell about his struggle. According to Flavour, the conversation marked a turning point in his life, helping him gradually overcome the addiction after battling it for two years.

Reflecting on the experience, the singer said speaking openly about the issue was important because many people silently deal with similar struggles but are too embarrassed to ask for help. He encouraged those facing personal challenges to confide in trusted individuals rather than suffer in silence.

Flavour, who rose to fame with his 2010 hit Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix), has since become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated highlife musicians, known for blending traditional African sounds with contemporary music. His latest revelation has sparked widespread reactions online, with many fans commending his honesty and courage in discussing such a sensitive chapter of his life.