Nigerian singer and songwriter Adekunle Gold has revealed that he is still battling sickle cell disease, a condition he has lived with since childhood.
In a video from his recent interview shared online, the 38-year-old artist spoke openly about his health challenges, explaining that he still experiences crises — painful episodes caused by the disease.
“I still have crises,” he said, adding that the pain often affects his joints, legs, and stomach.
Adekunle Gold shared that he has been on lifelong medication since he was about five years old, including folic acid and vitamin B complex, which he continues to take daily.
Recalling his early experience with the illness, he said:
“The first time I noticed I had sickle cell was one night when I fell seriously ill. My dad wasn’t home, so my mum carried me on her back and walked miles to the hospital. I was maybe five or seven years old. That was when the doctor explained what sickle cell was.”
He explained that both of his parents carry the sickle cell trait, which led to him being born with the condition.
Adekunle Gold emphasized the importance of genotype testing before marriage to prevent passing the disease to children.
“My vision is to make more noise about it because many people still don’t know much about sickle cell, and relevant organisations aren’t doing enough. It’s common in Nigeria, and it happens when an SS matches an SS. That’s why knowing your genotype is very important,” he said.
The singer added that although he still experiences occasional crises, they are less severe now, thanks to better self-care and medical support.
“I still have crises once in a while but not as bad as when I was a child. I’ve learned how to take care of myself better, and I thank God for the resources to do that.”
