“Adekunle Gold Confirms He Was Born With Sickle Cell — ‘I Still Experience Crises’”

Nigerian music icon Adekunle Gold has stepped into the spotlight with a deeply personal revelation about his health. In a candid interview, the singer disclosed that he has been living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) since childhood, and continues to manage the condition to this day.

A Lifelong Diagnosis

According to reports, Adekunle Gold revealed that he has been on medical treatment for sickle-cell from as early as age five. PM News He stated

“I still have crises. My vision is to make more noise about it because a lot of people don’t know about it …”

He went on to emphasise the importance of genotype testing, saying that such awareness could help prevent new cases of the disease in Nigeria where the SS genotype remains most prevalent.

The Reality of the Crisis

The singer described how his first realisation of the condition came as a young boy a long journey to hospital with his mother when he was ill, followed by the doctor’s diagnosis. He explained that while the frequency of crises has reduced with age and better self-care, they still occur.

“The first time I noticed that I had it … they told me that I will be taking folic acid and B complex for the rest of my life.”

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Experts say that lifelong management including supplementation and monitoring forms a core part of living with sickle-cell.

For most of his life, Adekunle has had to balance a high-profile music career with the challenges of a chronic condition. He acknowledged the cost emotional, physical and financial of managing SCD

“You know maybe because I have found a way to take care of myself more properly. And I’m grateful to God for the resources to be able to do that.”

By speaking out, he forces a wider conversation about health, disability and resilience in the Nigerian entertainment landscape.

This disclosure matters beyond the individual. The country continues to grapple with sickle-cell disease as a major public‐health concern.

Awareness campaigns, genotype testing and early intervention remain weak in many communities. When a major star like Adekunle Gold draws attention to his personal journey, it helps destigmatise and personalise the issue.

In the words of Adekunle Gold himself:

“I still have crises … and the point is you should not bring many more kids that have sickle cell.”

His story is a powerful reminder that success and struggle often walk hand in hand.

More importantly, it’s a call to action for all Nigerians whether public figures or everyday citizens to know their genotype, to support SCD survivors, and to keep the conversation alive. A strong legacy, indeed, beyond the music.