Legendary Tanzanian singer Ray C, born Rehema Chalamila who once dominated the entertainment industry has opened up about the reasons behind her career derailment.
The singer claims that her exes played a significant role during the peak of her music career.
The one-time undisputed queen of Bongo flava ruled the East African music charts in the early 2000s releasing several hits such as ‘Na Wewe Milele’, ‘Mama Ntilie’, ‘Uko Wapi’ to mention a few.
“Back then, I was young and surrounded by many people, not knowing who was good or bad. I was young and loved people’s company. My love for socialising was my downfall. My downfall was because of those I kept close to, whether it was my lover or friends. Those I welcomed with open arms are the ones who brought me down,” Ray C revealed.
The star added that her youthful desire to indulge in everything contributed to her downfall too.
“I wasn’t someone who would say no. Secondly, I trusted people too easily. If I was told to drink Tequila, there I was. if I was told to drink Malaika shots, there I was, not knowing what was in the drinks. In the end, it caught up with me. I was young, enthusiastic about life, and had money and fame. My downfall was my curiosity and eagerness to know everything. I rushed into things,” she explained.
Read: Singer Ray C reveals why she moved from Tanzania to France
Ray C made remarks feeling indebted to caution Gen Z girls, urging them to be careful about their lifestyles, which she acknowledges are reminiscent of her own past mistakes.
“These kids from the 2000s have a lifestyle that brought me down. I see them having the same curiosity and eagerness to know everything that I had,” she said.
In 2020, the mother of one was sent back to Rehab, Life and Hope Rehabilitation Centre popularly known as ‘Sober House’ in, Dar es Salaam, after being rescued by police while attempting to commit suicide.
Her struggle to overcome drug addiction caught the attention of former Tanzanian president Jakaya Magufuli who came to her aid, financing her rehabilitation.
At the height of her struggle with drug addiction, she accused her former boyfriend rapper Lord Eyez of introducing her to drugs.
Ray C currently leaves overseas having been able to regain her groove back, except for the once flourishing music career.