UK rapper Skepta says fasting in Ramadan gave him peace he sought in psychedelics

Skepta told fans that fasting during the holy month of Ramadan gave him peace and personal insight that he thought he could only get from taking recreational drugs.
2 min read
03 May, 2022
Skepta said he uses food as a coping mechanism to suppress his stress and anger [Getty]

British rapper and grime artist Skepta announced he had fasted for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, noting doing so gave him more peace than drugs ever could.

After posting an Eid Mubarak message on his Instagram story, the North London rapper of Nigerian descent admitted to participating in the month for the sake of his mental health.

"I woke up this morning happy and full of joy", the rapper who comes from a Christian background wrote on his Instagram story on the morning of Eid, adding that he "can't stop crying".

"Everything I searched for in psychedelics, I found by fasting," he admitted, adding that Ramadan is "such a beautiful month."

He said he uses food as a coping mechanism to suppress his stress and anger and not having it meant he needed to face himself.

"Granted, I have learnt these bad traits from somewhere, but it's still my issue and I have to see someone about it", he added.

He said his fasting experience was humbling and assured he would continue to find time to fast on a regular basis, whilst sending love to Muslims.

He then asked his fans what they learnt about themselves during Ramadan and discussed the virtues of patience, finding spiritual balance and releasing self-doubt.

"Let it pass, you don't need it", he said on self-doubt.

"Focus on the love, the people with good hearts around you, the Almighty that has shown you, there is only one you", he advised.

Fans hailed Skepta on social media for respecting the sacred Islamic practice as a non-Muslim as well as being emotionally vulnerable with the world.