Navigating fame takes toll on mental health-Nkosuohene

Fame is sought by many and comes with seemingly endless privileges that hitherto would have taken extra effort to attain. However, media personality, Francis Frempong Manson, known in showbiz as Nkosuohene, who has done it and seen it all for the last two decades has described fame as a necessary evil that comes with having a public career.

The CEO of Nkosuohene TV explained in an interview with the Daily Graphic that beneath the glitz and glamour, there lay a dark truth, the toll it exerts on one’s mental health.

“It comes with a lot of pressure, for example, there’s no privacy, a lot of negative energy and learning how to overlook negative comments. The pressure to constantly perform and maintain fame can result in burnout, further exacerbating mental health problems,” he said.

Additionally, Nkosuohene, who is an actor, master of ceremonies, fashionista, radio and television presenter, and philanthropist among others, noted that balancing the pursuit of success with self-care and mental well-being was crucial to navigating the complex world of fame while safeguarding one’s mental health. 

“It is vital for society to remember that celebrities too are human beings with vulnerabilities and deserve understanding and compassion.

Fame can blur the lines between one’s public persona and real identity. Many celebrities may feel trapped in a role they must play, leading to an identity crisis,” he said.

He said the struggle to remain authentic could create internal conflicts and contribute to mental health challenges as they found it difficult to express their true selves. 

“While fame grants public adoration and recognition, it can also breed an overwhelming sense of loneliness as it is challenging to engage in everyday activities without attracting attention, especially for people who are on and off the air like myself”, Nkosuohene said.

On how he has been able to steer through it and still keep his composure, he answered saying focus is the key.

“I am focused on perfecting my craft. In doing so, I eliminate the idea of creating or surrounding myself with drama. And because of how addictive fame is, if you are not deliberate with your actions, it will drown you. Since I have met and interviewed a lot of personalities, I refuse to let such things get to me. I remain submissive and focused because I believe I am still learning,” he noted.

Nonetheless, Nkosuohene intimated that keeping a good image in the media space was expensive stressing that materially it could cost you an arm and a leg.

Even though being in the media space all these years has been an interesting one, the Asore Sika actor in this interview recounted how certain personalities he interviewed made him feel worthless.

“Hmm, you see this job, you need a big heart to stand the test of time, it hasn’t been an easy journey but it has been an interesting one. I’ve met great people along the way but the most depressing one I cannot forget is how certain personalities I interviewed made me feel I was not fit to do the job. Interestingly, I am even more popular than some of them but I guess such is life,” he said.

He mentioned Kwasi Kyei Darkwah (KKD) and Kwami Sefa Kayi as broadcasters he admires and looks up to for their longevity and impact in the media space. 

That notwithstanding Nkosuohene, who also runs Nkosuohene African Wear Collections, stated that if he had the chance to change one thing about the media space, it would be being able to obtain and maintain credible information. 

As a philanthropist and founder of Nkosuohene Charity Organisation, he said it takes passion and drive to be there for others.

“It is one of the most difficult yet rewarding experiences but I know this, giving to others should not only be done when we have in abundance but even when we barely have enough. 

“We have been donating to a lot of people and institutions such as the Nsawam Female Prisons, Asante Akyem Obogu Presbyterian School, Teshie Orphanage and a lot more,” he said.

Profile 

Nkosuohene started his education at Asante Akyem-Obogu and later attended Okomfo Anokye Education Complex in Kumasi, Ghana. In 2000, he moved to Palermo, Italy, with his family where he completed high school. 

He had his tertiary education at the British College of Journalism based in Oxford, England, where he studied journalism, multimedia and world politics.

As a broadcaster, he has interviewed personalities from all walks of life including, ex-president of Ghana, H.E John Agyekum Kufuor, H.E. Mrs Hannah Ama Nyarko; Ghana’s Ambassador to Israel; musicians, Amakye Dede, Kuami Eugene; actors, Agya Koo, Lil Win and many more.
Additionally, he has featured in movies and TV series such as Abrokyere Yonkuo, Asore Sika and Prophet One.

Commitment 

To his fans and followers, he urged them to stay focused and committed to all they do as well as surround themselves with people who have positive mindsets.

He also encouraged them not to blame others for their mistakes but rather take responsibility for their actions.