What began as a tour stop in Colombia quickly became one of the most unexpected chapters of Stevey Murray’s life. After arriving ready to perform, celebrate his birthday, and connect with fans, the artist found himself hospitalized for two weeks as doctors worked through a series of tests and diagnoses before discovering a chronic blood disease connected to his liver.
Now back home and focused on recovery, Murray reflects on the experience, the loyalty that carried him through it, and why he believes resilience is about much more than survival.
Q: When you first arrived in Colombia, did you have any idea that the trip was about to become one of the most life-changing experiences of your life?
Stevey Murray: I was just hoping for people to enjoy and have a fun creative time.
Q: You went from preparing for a tour to suddenly being hospitalized for two weeks. What was emotionally going through your mind during those first 48 hours?
Stevey Murray: Looking back, I should have noticed small signs like exhaustion and leaving preparations until the last minute. However, I was ready. I genuinely just thought I needed some rest.
Q: There was a point where doctors feared something far more serious, including cancer. How did that uncertainty affect you mentally and spiritually?
Stevey Murray: Regarding the dozens of tests and multiple mystery diagnoses, I’m home at last and completely focused on my health.
Q: You’ve described performing while your body was already struggling. Looking back now, what does that moment say about your mindset as an artist?
Stevey Murray: I genuinely just thought I was a bit tired, but there was a mental click that I definitely ignored.
Q: Even in the middle of a medical emergency, you still managed to complete the first show and create content. Do you think artists sometimes ignore their own limits in pursuit of the moment?
Stevey Murray: I’m not one to speak on anyone else’s hustle. But this was something that would have put anyone on pause.
Q: Your security (Dorian Tabares “El Gato”) reportedly stayed in the hospital room with you throughout the experience. Did the situation change the way you view loyalty and the people around you?
Stevey Murray: One hundred percent. He took over all decisions with my consent. He took care of all the records. Through everything we learned new sides of each other. I truly owe him my life.
Q: Doctors eventually discovered a chronic blood disease connected to your liver. Hearing that you could have died if you traveled home must have been overwhelming. How did you process that reality?
Stevey Murray: I processed it by speaking with my security, Dorian Tabares “El Gato.” I won’t say more on behalf of him and his family’s privacy, but he let me be annoyed, angry, and confused. So I guess he saved my sanity as well as my life.
Q: During those long days in the hospital, did your perspective on success, fame, or ambition shift in any way?
Stevey Murray: I’d have to say I’m successful, just not as much in the music field. Fame is never my goal, and my ambition will always stay and grow with me.
Q: You also mentioned having a new EP ready during all of this. Did the situation change the emotional meaning of the music for you?
Stevey Murray: It was written in January, so no. It’s still R&B and vibey, no edits. Just something fun to throw out there this summer.
Q: Does this upcoming project reflect the person you were before Colombia, or the person you became after surviving it?
Stevey Murray: A bit of a mix, but definitely more ballads.
Q: There’s something cinematic about the story: arriving for tour, celebrating your birthday, then suddenly fighting for your life in another country. Have you started seeing your own life differently after this experience?
Stevey Murray: I definitely have. I don’t even think I have a thing to say about it. I’m just grateful to have this situation figured out.
Q: What do you want people to understand about resilience from your story?
Stevey Murray: That YOU are more than your story.
Q: Many people hide vulnerable moments publicly, especially artists. Why did you decide to tell this story instead of keeping it private?
Stevey Murray: Because I’m an open book, and why not share it?
Q: If listeners hear this new EP after reading your story, what emotions or message do you hope stays with them most?
Stevey Murray: This one might sound petty, but know your worth.
For Stevey Murray, the Colombia trip will likely be remembered for much more than a performance. What began as a creative opportunity became a reminder of how quickly life can change and how important it is to have the right people around you when it does.
Today, Murray isn’t focused on what almost happened. He’s focused on what comes next: his health, his music, and the opportunity to keep building. If there is one message that echoes throughout his story, it is the same one he hopes listeners carry with them long after the music ends:
You are more than your story. Know your worth.
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