Ghanaian rapper Tulenkey has finally revealed the reason behind his symbolic gesture of sealing his lips with tape at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs).

One would recall that at the event on May 10, 2025, Tulenkey, dressed in an all-black outfit with a piece of tape covering his mouth, drew attention from both attendees and social media users.

His silence throughout the event, including his decision not to deliver an acceptance speech after receiving an award, left many puzzled and curious.

But addressing the issue, the rapper explained that the gesture was a powerful statement meant to highlight the often-overlooked issue of men’s mental health and emotional struggles.

According to him, the tape symbolized the societal pressure that discourages men from expressing their feelings, speaking about their pain, or seeking help.

Speaking in an interview with 3FM on May 21, 2025, Tulenkey explained, “It’s a message. It speaks of what men go through, the inner battles we fight. Because being a man, when you are vulnerable, when you talk about your emotions, you are seen as weak. So they would rather die inside than let it out.”

According to Tulenkey, “The tape symbolised suffering in silence,” he explained.

The ‘Bad Feeling’ rapper also spoke about how he personally takes care of his mental health.

He said he usually practices meditation and makes an effort to speak with people who are emotionally mature and can understand what he is going through.
“I meditate and speak to emotionally mature people,” he said.