Adekunle Gold Opens Up About Ongoing Battle With Sickle Cell Disease
Nigerian singer and songwriter Adekunle Gold has revealed that he continues to live with sickle cell disease, shedding light on the lifelong struggle and emotional toll of managing the condition.
In a recent interview shared on social media, the 38-year-old artist spoke candidly about his experience, explaining that despite years of treatment and self-care, he still experiences painful sickle cell crises. “I still have crises,” he admitted, describing the recurring pain that often affects his joints, legs, and stomach.
Adekunle Gold recounted how he was first diagnosed as a child after a severe health episode forced his mother to carry him on her back to a nearby hospital in the middle of the night. “That was when the doctor told me about it,” he said. “They told me that I would be taking folic acid and B complex for the rest of my life. That has been my reality since I was about five years old.”
The “Orente” crooner expressed gratitude that his condition has become more manageable over time, attributing this to improved self-care and access to medical resources. “I still have crises once in a while, but not as bad as when I was a child. Maybe because I’ve learned how to take care of myself better, and I’m grateful to God for the resources to do that,” he shared.
Beyond his personal story, Adekunle Gold used the moment to raise awareness about the importance of genotype testing, especially among couples planning to have children. He emphasised that many cases of sickle cell can be prevented if people understand their genetic compatibility before marriage.
“My vision is to make more noise about it because a lot of people don’t know, and the relevant organisations are not doing enough,” he said. “Sickle cell happens when two people with the SS genotype have a child together. That’s why knowing your genotype is so important — to avoid bringing more children into the world who have to live with this condition.”
Adekunle Gold’s openness has drawn widespread admiration from fans and health advocates alike, with many praising his courage for speaking up about a topic often treated with stigma in Nigeria. His story serves as both a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals living with sickle cell disease and a call to action for greater public education and support.
Watch him speak:
