The lead singer of local band - InsideOut Apakuki Nalawa has released a new song called ‘Let Go’ which is inspired by his own personal experiences about depression and challenges with his health.
While talking about his new song on Legend FM Breakfast with Alex and Victoria, Nalawa shared that when he was in Form 3 he suffered through a strange illness that had him paralysed from the hip down.
Nalawa says he thrived in primary school at Marist Brothers Primary and maintained above-average grades as well as attained the Deputy Head Boy role in Year 8.
He says at the end of the third form, after spending the holidays in New Zealand, he came back straight into a strange illness that had him paralysed from the hip down.
Nalawa says after multiple doctor and specialist checks, scans and x-rays, no one could figure out a cause or a cure.
He says he suffered through immense pain for weeks that led into months with sleep deprivation, loss of appetite and extreme weight loss from a healthy 80kg down to 50kg.
Nalawa says he had to drop out of school and all his dreams and aspirations were gone with no hope in ever playing sports again or even walking again.
He says he was shattered, heartbroken and depression set in very quickly.
Nalawa says eventually, he found a way to turn his experience into motivation in everything he did.
He shared that the birth of his first son made him feel like he had so much to live for and reminded him that God always has a plan for us.
Nalawa says his new journey into fatherhood and his trust in God, renewed his confidence and instilled in him a drive to continuously better himself and learn as much as he could because he had a little boy looking up to him for guidance.
He believes that everyone is unique and if they trust in God’s process, the reward will come.
Nalawa says music also saved him from falling into deep pockets of depression.
He says music helped him build his confidence where he soon found his voice and his purpose.
Nalawa says from this stemmed a great career in music, which has been a huge part of his life for nearly ten years and he is so grateful for the journey.
He says everything he does is with passion and self-improvement as a musician and as a person, as well as to inspire others and give back where he can.
Nalawa says depression is real and he hopes that by sharing his story and the message in his new song, ‘Let Go’ will help others know to never give up and to reach out to someone for help.
He says the lessons are in the ‘failings, mistakes, low points’ and its what we learn and grow from that matters the most.
The music video for 'Let Go' will be released next Friday.
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