Popular Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold has spoken candidly about his lifelong struggle with sickle cell disease, revealing that he still experiences painful crises despite decades of managing the condition.
In a recent video interview shared on social media, the 38-year-old artist reflected on his journey living with the illness and the challenges he has faced since childhood.
“I still have crises,” he admitted.
Adekunle explained that he has been on medication since he was a child and described the intense pain associated with the condition.
“I have been on lifelong medication since I was five years old,” he said. “Unfortunately for me, my parents are both sickle cell carriers, and that’s how I came into the world. As a child, I would fall sick often, with severe pain in my joints, legs, and sometimes stomach. That’s what we call a crisis, it’s really crazy.”
Recalling one of his earliest experiences, the singer shared a vivid memory from his childhood.
“I remember one night when my dad wasn’t home. I fell sick, and my mum carried me on her back as we walked miles to the hospital. I must have been about five or seven years old. That was the first time a doctor explained my condition to me and said I would have to take folic acid and vitamin B complex for the rest of my life. That’s been my reality ever since.”
Although he still experiences episodes, Adekunle said his crises have become less frequent and easier to manage with proper care and lifestyle adjustments.
“I still have crises once in a while, but not as bad as when I was younger. Maybe it’s because I’ve learned to take better care of myself. I’m grateful to God for the resources to do that,” he said.
The “Pick Up” crooner also used the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of genotype testing before marriage.
“My vision is to make more noise about it because a lot of people don’t know enough, and relevant organisations aren’t doing enough,” he stated.
“Sickle cell is especially common in Nigeria. It happens when two people with the SS genotype have children together. That’s why knowing your genotype is so important to avoid bringing more children into the world with this condition.”
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