I am an African man. The skies of Africa are the only thing I know, and I take pride in that. I take pride in the color of my skin. But this is not a patriotic call for the support of the Black masses. It is a cry against the neglect of the mental health of African men.

" Men don't cry." "Are you not a man?"
These words have pushed many men down the road of depression. There is a constant disregard for the mental well-being of men in Africa, and it saddens me. That is why I am writing this to spread awareness of this.

From my first steps as a young Nigerian boy, the weight of silence hung heavily on my shoulders. Then came the burden of society, the endless standards forced down our throats, telling us we must be strong, no matter what the future holds. The pressure is unbearable. It makes it feel like a heart made of iron is the only way to survive. And this pressure affects every aspect of life.

But should it be so? I honestly doubt it. Yet, this is the reality for men in Africa. Our egos, outweighing the amounts in our bank accounts, stop us from speaking up. But what is left for us at the end of this tunnel if we continue down this path?

Consider Mohbad, an artist whose public success masked a profound internal struggle with his record label. Behind the scenes, he waged a silent battle against exploitation and relentless pressure. Like so many African men burdened by expectations of unyielding strength, feeling pressured to maintain a facade of invulnerability even as his vulnerabilities mounted. His struggle, hidden from the spotlight, mirrors the silent battles faced by countless men who endure exploitation and pressure in silence.

The only way forward is through change. We must address these issues at their root and help young men find their voices. It is okay to speak up, cry, and be vulnerable. Even Jesus wept.

The weight the African man carries is heavy. Society must do better. We must create a world where men can speak without fear and where children are raised free from the burdens of classism and unrealistic expectations

Because strength is not silence. And even Titans fall.