Popular Nigerian singer and songwriter Adekunle Gold has revealed that he is still battling sickle cell disease, a condition he has lived with since childhood.
The award-winning artist made the emotional disclosure during a recent interview shared on social media, where he opened up about his ongoing health struggles and lifelong treatment.
Speaking on his experience, the 38-year-old said:
“I still have crises. The first time I ever heard of sickle cell was when I was a child. I would fall sick all the time, my joints would hurt badly. When we talk about crisis, it’s pains on your joints, legs, and sometimes stomach — it’s really crazy.”
Adekunle Gold recounted how his mother carried him on her back for miles to the hospital one night when he fell seriously ill, describing it as the moment doctors confirmed his diagnosis.
He said doctors informed him that he would need to take folic acid and vitamin B complex for the rest of his life — a medication routine he has followed since the age of five.
“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 better care of myself. I’m grateful to God for the resources to be able to do that,” he added.
Adekunle Gold also used the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of genotype testing, stressing that many people still underestimate the risks associated with sickle cell disease.
“My vision is to make more noise about it because a lot of people don’t know about it, and important organisations are not making enough moves regarding it. Where sickle cell is most common is my country, Nigeria, and it happens when two SS individuals have children. That’s why knowing your genotype is very important.”
Adekunle Gold, who has been open in the past about his health battles, continues to inspire fans with his resilience, using his platform to spread awareness about sickle cell and encourage preventive health education.
"I still have crises once in a while, but not as bad as I had it when I was a child…"
Adekunle Gold speaks candidly about living with sickle cell. pic.twitter.com/piMudobwGX
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) October 30, 2025
