Kenyan musician Mejja recently shared a deeply personal account of how body shaming affected his confidence and self-esteem throughout his life. In an emotional interview with Kameme FM presenter Muthoni wa Kirumba, Mejja shed light on the struggles he faced growing up due to his weight and how it impacted his journey in the music industry.
Struggles with Self-Esteem and Body Image
Mejja revealed that he has always been on the heavier side, a fact that made him a target for ridicule during his childhood. He recounted, “I have always been heavy. My self-esteem was really low. Zamani nilikuwa na grow up na mchongowano, so I used to be mocked a lot for my weight.” The constant mockery from his peers left a lasting mark on his confidence, particularly when it came to social interactions and pursuing his passions.
The impact of body shaming was so profound that Mejja often found himself avoiding situations where he felt exposed or vulnerable. “So you would find when my boys would go katia ma dame, vile mi sikuwa na hiyo courage so nilikuwa mtu kujiekea,” he shared. This lack of confidence even extended to his musical ambitions. Despite his talent, Mejja admitted to shying away from showcasing his skills due to his insecurities. “Hata vile wasanii wengine husemaga nilikuwa naimba shule, mimi hakuna classmate wangu yeyote, alikuwa najua mi naimbaga. Walijulia kwa TV. I didn’t even have the courage to tell anyone I could rap. Nilikuwa tu msee wa kunymaza.”
Impact on His Career and Personal Life
Mejja’s struggles were not confined to his self-esteem alone; they also affected his participation in school and his overall outlook on life. He avoided school competitions and social activities, feeling that his weight and appearance made him an outsider. “Alafu pia I didn’t dress well. I understand my mother couldn’t afford nice clothes Ni vile angeweza. Pia naelewa. But it didn’t give me inspirations to sing, so I was poorly dressed, I was heavy, nilikuwa mbigi,” he explained.
Despite these challenges, Mejja’s empathy towards his mother’s financial situation reflects his resilience and understanding. He acknowledged, “I loved my mum I understood her, I did not judge her because she could not afford good clothes.” His story highlights the intersection of financial constraints and body image issues, showing how these factors can intertwine to affect an individual’s self-worth and confidence.
A Call for Sensitization and Support
Mejja’s candid revelations serve as a powerful call for sensitization and support regarding body shaming and self-esteem issues. He emphasized the need for greater awareness and understanding of the impacts of body shaming, urging society to address and combat these harmful behaviors in all forms.
Through his openness, Mejja not only sheds light on his personal struggles but also aims to inspire others facing similar challenges. His journey underscores the importance of compassion, understanding, and support in helping individuals overcome the negative effects of body shaming and build a more inclusive and empathetic community.
