‘Music Has a Strong Place In Mental Health’, Says Chiemezie Ibe, UK-based Nigerian Doctor

Mary Nnah

Medical Doctor and musician, Chiemezie Ibe, a UK-based Nigerian popularly known as Star Doc, has said that music has a strong place in mental health where it has been infused in the management of mood disorders.

Buttressing the therapeutic effect of music on mental health, Ibe noted that several studies have shown that music can affect the secretion of hormones and subsequently affect physical health in various ways.

The medical doctor said his interest in music started in secondary school, even though his interest was first in poetry.

“Back in secondary school I was amazed by the way one of my friends, Oliver,  played on words and I asked him to teach me how to. He did and that was how I fell in love with writing lyrics.

“Around the same period was when 2 Face Idibia released his Grass 2 Grace Album and I fell in love with every song and lyric on the album. This was when I started writing songs and adding melody to it. Ever since then, I have not looked back.”

Speaking on the uniqueness of his music, he said, “The uniqueness of my music is that I use my music for health education.  Music is a universal language. I can 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 everyday challenges.”

Speaking further on the therapeutic effects of music, Ibe said, “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.

Before these times, Ibe has done songs addressing Rape, Sickle Cell, Diabetes, Hypertension, Covid 19, Depression, Poor Health  Systems, Breast Cancer, and Cervical Cancer, to mention a few.

In a few weeks, the medical doctor-cum-musician will be dropping a new single titled “Fall in Love” featuring his high school classmate Klef Banty – a masterpiece he says he can not wait to share with his numerous fans.

He noted further that some of his highlights in music are getting recognised during the COVID-19 pandemic for his use of music in creating awareness about the pandemic.

He said, “I’ll say I’ve had several highlights since making music and I will mention some of them.

Ibe who was featured by China Global TV Network and some other TV stations, was named a COVID-19 Hero the same year for being on the front line as a healthcare provider and also using music to create awareness. 

“Another highlight was when I partnered with Medicaid Foundation in the biggest Breast Cancer Awareness walk in Nigeria involving over 2000 people in 2020.  The walk ended with musical performances by notable artists and I was one of the musical artists 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”, he added.

Ibe who has a  Master of Science Degree in Public Health and Health Promotion from 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 going to be bigger than what it is today.”

He is open to collaborating with like-minded artists locally and internationally and getting his sound to a much wider audience.

He also noted that he wants to be able to educate, inspire and positively affect society while entertaining with his music.

He said, “We live in a world where pop culture glamourises substance abuse, fraud, nudity and so many other vices. Many young people are subconsciously being influenced and steered in the wrong direction.  A lot of young people have told me they want to be doctors but don’t want their talents to be wasted. They tell me they see me and they believe it’s achievable.  Feedback like this, keeps my fire burning.”