As you all know, Amy Winehouse sadly died on Saturday 23rd July 2011, police are saying the cause of her death is unexplainable, but me and I’m sure many others believe it has something to do with drugs. Such a young, unique and talented singer has sadly passed, was the fame too much for her? Gabrielle Dadzie is back again to discuss this issue which seems to be only getting worse.

After blowing up in the music scene in 2003, Amy’s soulful and jazzy voice really caused a stir around the world, and not for the bad reasons but simply because she was very talented! Winehouse was credited as an influence in the rise in popularity of female musicians and soul music, and also for revitalising the British music industry. But seems like all the fame and spotlight really drove her downhill, which caused her to get excessively involved in alcohol and drugs

Her 2006 album Back to Black managed to reach number one in the UK and won her five Grammy awards and I feel this was the album that really changed her lifestyle, checking into rehab several times, being filmed taking drugs on camera and eventually having to get away to the Caribbean for almost a year to get over her addiction. Here I thought she managed to pick herself up but seemed like coming back to the UK just sent her crashing down again. 

Basically, it seems like some artists cannot handle fame. You see all this money, receive the spotlight, have all these fans, to some it may seem like a dream. So much talent gets thrown out the window in the music and movie industry.

Take worldwide phenomenon Whitney Houston as a prime example, after years of battling a drug addiction she finally came out on the Oprah Winfrey show to confess after years of rumours. However, after battling this addiction, it was inevitable that she really had lost all her talent because of this addictive abuse. After performing on X Factor for the first time in several years, it was obvious that she was no longer the powerful Whitney Houston, after a very shaky performance, and a disorientated interview with Dermot O’Leary.

Even rapper Eminem at one point was battling with an addiction of sleeping pills.

Some artists/actors are not ready for the big wide world of fame, perhaps more needs to be done for people, especially the youngsters who reach fame so quickly and have to adapt to a different world, one that is a dream for every normal teenager. It’s a sad story really, but I hope Amy rests in peace. 

Maybe more people in the entertainment world will take note that drugs and alcohol abuse are a serious downfall in one’s career and the consequences could be as bad as death. 

R.I.P Amy Winehouse, talented individual gone but never forgotten.

For more information on Drug and Alcohol problems and overcoming it, visit NHS.

WORDS: Gabrielle Dadzie