Popular Nigerian singer, Adekunle Gold, has revealed that he is still battling sickle cell disease, despite his successful music career and vibrant public life.
In a video clip from his latest interview shared on social media, the 38-year-old singer opened up about his lifelong struggle with the illness, which he was diagnosed with as a child.
“I still have crises,” Adekunle Gold admitted, describing the severe pain and challenges that come with the condition.
He recounted his early experiences, saying, “The first time I ever heard of sickle cell was when I would fall sick every time with my joints paining me. One night, my dad wasn’t home, and my mum carried me on her back and walked miles to the hospital. I was about five or seven. That was when the doctor told me about it and said I would be taking folic acid and B complex for the rest of my life.”
The “Orente” crooner said that although the crises have become less frequent as he’s grown older, the pain can still be overwhelming at times.
He also stressed the importance of genotype testing and awareness, particularly in Nigeria where the condition is prevalent.
“My vision is to make more noise about it because a lot of people don’t know about it, and the important organisations are not making enough moves regarding it,” he said. “Sickle cell happens when an SS matches an SS. That’s why knowing your genotype is very important — so you don’t bring more children into the world to suffer.”
Adekunle Gold, who continues to manage the condition with lifelong medication, expressed gratitude for the ability to care for himself better now, adding, “I still have crises once in a while, but not as bad as I had it when I was a child. I’m grateful to God for the resources to be able to do that.”
🎥 Watch him speak below: