Gospel artist Duncan Dunco popularly known as Dunco has recounted how depression almost ended his music career as he had an unsuccessful suicide attempt. Speaking on Radio 47’s Breakfast 47morning talkshow, Dunco confessed how depression and alcohol addiction almost ruined his music career.

According to Dunco, his suicide attempt took an unexpected turn after a church member arrived just in time to save him, he recounts how he had ingested pills to end his life and in the process, unknowingly ingesting laxatives too which caused severe diarrhea, this slowed the absorption of the other pills.

He narrates how he remained unconscious and alone for over 26 hours before the member appeared and rushed him to hospital where she received medical treatment.

“Nilijaribu kumeza dawa nyingi kwa nia ya kujitoa uhai, lakini kilichoniokoa ni kwamba kati ya hizo dawa kulikuwa na laxatives zilizonisababisha kuharisha sana. Nilikaa peke yangu kwa saa 26 nikiwa nimezimia hadi muumini mmoja aliponitembelea na kunipeleka hospitalini ambako nilipata matibabu,” said Dunco.

He revealed that the church member’s visit was prompted by his long absence from church which happened due to him suffering from stigma hence raising concerns of other choir members.

The ‘I don’t know’ hitmaker reveals that despite being saved in 1993 while in class 4 and growing up a respected choir member at East Assemblies Buruburu church in Nairobi, his early music career was marked by serious personal challenges. According to him, during school holidays when he travelled to the coast he would frequently visit mnazi joints , a habit that quickly turned into an addiction.

This habit nearly derailed his music career as it became so hard to balance personal life and music even as he had the opportunity to work with prominent gospel artists like Daddy Owen at the time.

“Wale ambao unafikiria watakupatia a shoulder to lean ndio wanakutenga,” he confessed.

His story is a powerful reminder of the hidden battles behind the spotlight, and the resilience it takes to overcome them. It also points out the many silent mental health struggles modern day gospel artists endure in their careers and role community members can play in offering timely support.