Nigerian singer Iyanya has opened up in a candid conversation about why his high-profile music career has profoundly shaped his love life and contributed to him being single at age 39. Speaking on the Afropolitan podcast, the veteran artist revealed that the demands, vulnerabilities, and past relationship experiences of celebrity life created deep emotional barriers that still influence his romantic choices today.
For many artists, fame brings adoration and scrutiny, but for Iyanya, it brought both admiration and heartbreak. After nearly two decades in the music industry, he shared that repeated painful encounters with past partners, some of whom allegedly threatened to go public during conflicts, left him with commitment issues that made it increasingly difficult to trust and fully invest in new relationships. These negative experiences, he explained, have left him hesitant to pursue traditional commitment or marriage right now, as he feels he is still on a healing journey.
Rather than rush into emotional attachments, Iyanya said he has chosen to embrace celibacy, though he admits this too has been a struggle. The artist acknowledged that his resolve often fluctuates and weakens when he encounters someone attractive, sometimes leading to regret and reflection afterward. Rather than denying these feelings, he stressed the importance of honesty, telling potential partners up front that he is still healing and not ready for serious commitment.
The singer’s frank admission underscores how celebrity status can complicate very human matters like love and trust. Constant public attention, the pressure to maintain an image, and previous partners threatening to weaponise personal dispute in the media have collectively made sustained emotional vulnerability a daunting prospect for him. These realities, he says, persist even as he matures and reflects on what he wants from life and relationships.
Ultimately, Iyanya’s story resonates as more than a celebrity confession; it reflects broader truths about fame and its impact on personal life. Talent, success and public visibility do not insulate artists from emotional scars. Instead, the intersection of personal vulnerability and public persona can complicate intimate connections, sometimes leaving artists like Iyanya prioritising self-care, emotional growth and honesty over conventional romantic milestones.
As he navigates this stage of his life, Iyanya’s openness about his struggles with celibacy, trust, and emotional readiness offers fans a rare and humanizing look at the personal costs of fame—and the ongoing journey toward healing and self-understanding.
