Chiemezie Ibe, a practising medical doctor and musician based in the United Kingdom and popularly known as Star Doc, has shed light on the importance of music and how it helps in improving mental health and management of mood disorders .
Speaking about music and therapy, Ibe stated that several studies have shown that music has the abilities to affect the secretion of hormones and subsequently affect physical health in various ways.
Star Doc further emphasised that his interest in music started in secondary school with his initial interest in poetry.
“I had a friend in secondary school whose name was Oliver. He played with words well, so I asked him to teach me. He did and that was how I fell in love with writing lyrics. Coincidentally, that same period was when 2Face Idibia released his ‘Grass 2 Grace’ album and I fell with every song and lyric on the album. I got super inspired and started writing songs and adding melody. Since then I have not looked back.”
He further buttressed the uniqueness of his music, noting: “The uniqueness of my music is that I use it to health educate. Music is a universal language. I am able to infuse health education into my music. With my music I’m able to break down complex medical terms in a manner the common man can understand. In addition I’m able to address everyday issues and life experiences with my music. These make me unique.”
On how he juggles being a practising medical doctor and music, he said: “Honestly, being a doctor comes with having to deal with a busy schedule and even more for me working in a highly demanding oncology department. However proper time management is the key. I will also say that music comes to me naturally, so I don’t struggle to write songs. I could be taking a walk and I get inspired. I quickly pen it down and later develop it into a proper song. Also, music takes me away from the pressure of work. The studio is where I let off the steam of every day challenges. In today’s world where mental health has taken centre stage, I’ll say music is my therapy.”
Talking about some of his songs, he said, “I’ve done a couple of songs, covers, as well as freestyles and also shot some music videos that are out on digital music platforms. In 2021, I did a song ‘STD’ where I featured my brother Obynodaddymuna. In that song we musically addressed sexually transmitted diseases, highlighting the signs, symptoms, preventive measures and treatment options. In 2022, I did another song titled ‘Imaramma’ featuring Jez. It’s a love song we dedicated to beautiful ladies.
“Ndi Igbo’ is another one I did in my native Igbo language dedicated to the Igbo people where I preached about the need for unity as a people. This particular one is a cover of a song originally done by Igbo language indigenous rapper Lopo.
“Prior to these times, I have done songs addressing rape, sickle cell, diabetes, hypertension, COVID 19, depression, poor health systems, breast cancer, cervical cancer, to mention a few. In a few weeks I will be dropping a new single titled ‘Fall in Love’ featuring my high school classmate, Klef Banty. I can’t wait to share this master piece with you all.”
Ibe noted that one of his highlights in music is getting recognised during the pandemic for his use of music in creating awareness about the pandemic. He said, “I’ll say I’ve had a number of highlights since making music and I will mention some of them. One of the high points of my music has been getting recognised during the pandemic for my use of music in creating awareness about the pandemic. I got featured by China Global TV Network and some other TV stations.
“Another highlight was when I partnered with Medicaid Foundation in the biggest breast cancer awareness walk in Nigeria involving over 2,000 people in 2020. The walk ended in musical performances by notable artistes and I was one of the musical artistes that performed in that event. My mother was in the crowd that very day, cheering me on. Apart from these, I’ll say my greatest achievement is touching lives with my talent.“
Ibe, who has a Master of Science degree in Public Health and Health Promotion from the Swansea University, United Kingdom, believes that in five years, his music will be bigger than what it is today.
He said, “I believe in living life one day at a time, taking each step as it comes while also working hard to better myself. Five years ago, my music was known to me, close friends and family alone. However, it is not the case today and five years from now, it’s definitely going to be bigger than what it is today. I am open to collaborating with like-minded artistes locally and internationally and getting my sound to a much wider audience.”
READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
THE first private tech-driven Open University in Nigeria, Miwa Open University, has reaffirmed its commitment…
The Federal Government has officially launched the 2025 National Policy on Anti-bullying in Schools and…
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has shed more light on why it warned…
The executive secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Professor Salisu Shehu,…
Samuel Ajayi graduated with a first class degree from the University of Ibadan, a masters…
An advocacy media group in Akwa Ibom, the Eket Senatorial District Journalists’ Forum, has called…
This website uses cookies.