Online streamer Carter Efe has revealed that public criticism and controversy nearly pushed him into depression, recounting how reactions to his hit song ‘Machala’ affected his mental health and early rise to fame.
Speaking during a recent interview with BBC Pidgin, Efe said the backlash that followed the release of the track subjected him to intense online criticism, with many people calling him a rapper, a thief, and mocking his appearance.
“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.
He disclosed that even during a trip to Dubai at the time, he struggled with depression and found it difficult to enjoy his growing popularity.
According to him, he has since become mentally stronger and no longer pays attention to online criticism.
“Now, I don’t care. If you drag me from now till tomorrow, I cannot be moved,” he stated.
Efe also spoke about the challenges in the streaming industry, describing the music business as mentally exhausting and difficult to survive in.
He explained that he once struggled to convince people to stream his songs and was surprised by how little artistes actually earn from streaming platforms.
The content creator said he initially believed releasing music automatically translated to financial success, only to later realise that streaming revenue could be far lower than expected.
Speaking on his rivalry with singer Portable, Efe said anger and unresolved issues motivated him to venture into boxing.
“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.
“They say Speed Darlington wants to fight me. I am ready for him. I will destroy his waist,” he said.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Efe also shared his opinion about Wizkid, saying he admires the singer’s talent but not his personality.
“I love Wizkid and his craft but I do not like his personality.”