Former dancehall sensation Cynthia Morgan, also known as Madrina, has called attention to what she perceives as a concerning trend of self-medication with marijuana among those struggling with mental health issues.
Morgan, who has undergone her own remarkable transformation from music star to spiritual figure, took to Instagram with a direct message: “People really need to treat their mental illness and stop subjugating it with marijuana.” This statement reflects growing concerns about the intersection of mental health care and substance use in Nigerian society, particularly among young people.
The artist’s evolution from dancehall queen to prophetic voice has given her a unique platform from which to address social issues. Her journey began in a Jehovah’s Witness household, where she was reportedly born with prophetic abilities. Despite initially choosing a path in music and temporarily setting aside her spiritual calling, Morgan has increasingly embraced her religious roots, eventually stepping back from the entertainment spotlight to pursue what she describes as her true calling.
This latest intervention on mental health adds to Morgan’s growing portfolio of social commentary. In recent months, she has spoken out against cultism and cult-related violence, although acknowledging the complexity of addressing such deeply entrenched issues. Her social observations have extended to criticizing what she perceives as the misuse of religious platforms, particularly on Facebook, where she has called out self-proclaimed prophets for what she terms “prophesying rubbish.
Morgan’s transition from music to prophecy became public knowledge in 2022, when she surprised her followers by announcing her new spiritual direction. She has since made several prophecies about notable Nigerian entertainers, including Funke Akindele and Wizkid, establishing herself as a distinctive voice in Nigeria’s spiritual landscape.
Her spiritual journey has intersected with recent tragic events in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Following the death of rapper Mohbad, Morgan claimed to have received a spiritual message from the deceased artist, emphasizing the importance of caring for his son while pursuing justice. She has positioned these interventions within a broader context of industry reform, suggesting that the current advocacy extends beyond seeking justice for Mohbad to protecting future generations of artists from similar circumstances.
More recently, following the tragic passing of actor Junior Pope, Morgan challenged the Christian community to reflect on their spiritual power, specifically questioning their understanding of their ability to perform miracles such as raising the dead. This bold statement exemplifies her increasing focus on spiritual matters and her willingness to challenge conventional religious thinking.
The former singer’s concerns about marijuana use and mental health treatment reflect a growing global conversation about appropriate therapeutic approaches to mental health challenges. Her statement comes at a time when discussions about mental health care accessibility and effectiveness in Nigeria are gaining prominence, particularly in light of recent high-profile cases in the entertainment industry.
Morgan’s evolution from entertainment figure to spiritual advisor and social commentator represents a significant shift in her public persona. Her willingness to address controversial topics, from mental health to religious practice, has established her as a unique voice in Nigerian public discourse. While her statements often generate debate, they consistently contribute to important conversations about social issues affecting Nigerian society.
The intersection of mental health, substance use, and spiritual wellbeing that Morgan addresses reflects complex challenges facing contemporary Nigerian society. Her direct approach to these issues, informed by her personal journey from secular entertainment to spiritual leadership, offers a distinctive perspective on addressing these challenges.
As conversations about mental health and appropriate treatment methods continue to evolve in Nigeria, Morgan’s voice adds to a growing chorus calling for more thoughtful and comprehensive approaches to mental health care. Her message emphasizes the importance of seeking proper treatment rather than relying on self-medication, a message that resonates with growing awareness of mental health issues in Nigerian society.
