Most don’t know that before Kenyon Dixon was a Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, who’s penned hits for some of their favorite artists (see writer’s credits for Tank, Tyrese, Justin Timberlake to start), he was a professional dancer. Dixon grew up dancing, and before he was even 8-years-old, he was invited to join the world-renowned Kennedy Tap Company, catapulting him into the competitive and demanding entertainment world as a young boy. Now an independent artist and rising star on the world music stage who has tasked himself with preserving the essence of R&B, Kenyon is opening up about both the music and mental health.
In the high-pressure world of music, where awards and accolades coexist with grueling schedules and intense scrutiny, safeguarding mental health can be a constant battle. Kenyon understands this struggle all too well. But he hasn’t let the pursuit of musical success overshadow his well-being. Recently, and ironically, on the verge of both Black Music Month and Men’s Health Month, Dallas Weekly had a chance to sit with Kenyon, where we got a glimpse into how he finds his own harmonies between the two. Fresh off of the mainstage at the inaugural TwoGether Land Music Festival in Dallas, TX, Kenyon spoke about how he has managed to thrive in the entertainment industry for over two decades, and keep his sanity intact.
Music as Therapy, Music as Pressure
For many artists, music serves as a cathartic outlet, a way to channel emotions into something beautiful. Kenyon has consistently echoed this sentiment. “I’m very in touch with my feelings and honest about how I feel,” he revealed. However, the music industry itself can be a breeding ground for anxiety and stress. The constant pressure to perform, the relentless pursuit of chart success, and the ever-present public eye can take a toll.
Kenyon acknowledges these challenges but doesn’t shy away from prioritizing mental well-being. “I typically get a lot of anxiety before I go on stage just because it’s the anticipation of everything. I get overwhelmed, so I have little things I do that keep me together.” As a true vocalist and performer, known for delivering live shows that rival his recorded tracks, Kenyon has cultivated a routine that fosters emotional balance.
Develop a Protective Practice
On show days, Dixon forces himself to move his body in an effort to expel excess anxiety that may be circling. “I always make sure to do my cardio on the day of a show.” Then, just before hitting the stage, the singer practices a grounding process known as the 3-3-3 technique – a grounding technique used to manage anxiety and bring your focus back to the present moment.
Here’s how it works:
- 3 Things You See: Look around your environment and name 3 things you can see. Focus on specific details, like the color of a chair, the texture of a rug, or the way sunlight falls on a wall.
- 3 Things You Hear: Pay attention to your sense of hearing. Identify 3 sounds you can hear, such as traffic noise,birds chirping, or the hum of a refrigerator.
- 3 Things You Touch: Become aware of your body and sense of touch. Feel 3 things you’re touching, like your clothing against your skin, the coolness of the floor beneath your feet, or the way your hair brushes your shoulders.
Open Up to Healing
Just recently, Dixon opened up about his mental health on social media, sharing with fans how he’s been taking care of his mental health as he prepares to tour the U.S. for The R&B You Love Tour. By openly discussing mental health, Kenyon challenges the stigma often associated with it, especially concerning Black men. “We’re taught, especially in Black culture and especially if you grow up religious, to just ‘go to church’. But God put us on Earth, earthly things are going to happen and there are resources for us here that can help.”
Mental health struggles affect people of all races and genders, but Black men face a unique set of challenges. Black men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues compared to other demographics. The “strong Black man” stereotype discourages men from talking about their mental health and seeking help while the stigma and lack of access to culturally competent care, mixed with a historical mistrust of the medical system all play their respective roles, all leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment.
But more Black men are opening up about their mental health struggles and sharing insight into their journeys. Viceland’s Desus Nice has spoken candidly about his struggles with depression. NFL Star Brandon Marshall has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. Kid Cudi has been open about his struggles with depression and anxiety. And Dallas-based artist Great Black Century has recently opened up about navigating mental health struggles.
These are just a few examples, but the growing transparency can serve as a beacon of hope for fans and aspiring artists alike. Kenyon’s own openness demonstrated that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of mental well-being. “I’ve leaned into my mental health, and I think a lot of people avoid it and they detect signs,” says Dixon.
“I opened up about it and talked about it online for the first time, and somehow I came here and that anxiety is not there. I think that’s a testament to being open and honest about your feelings.” Kenyon Dixon’s story is an exemplification of the power of self-care. It reminds us that true artistry flourishes when creatives prioritize their mental health, allowing them to create work that resonates with authenticity and depth.
Additional Resources:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/
- The Jed Foundation: https://jedfoundation.org/
- Brother, You’re On My Mind: Mental Health Snapshot of African American Men – National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities: https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/programs/edu-training/byomm/
Disclaimer: This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.
