Adekunle Gold Reveals Ongoing Battle with Sickle Cell Disease, Stresses Need for Genotype Testing

Famous Nigerian musician Adekunle Gold has revealed that he continues to battle painful sickle cell crises, using his experience to advocate for greater public awareness and the critical importance of genotype testing.

Dependable NG reports that the 38-year-old artist shared his personal struggles in a video from a recent interview circulated on social media, where he plainly stated, “I still have crises.” He lamented the intense pain caused by the genetic condition, disclosing that he has been on lifelong medication, specifically folic acid and B complex, since he was a child.

Adekunle Gold emphasized that his primary vision is to “make more noise” about Sickle Cell Disease because many people remain unaware of the condition and important organisations are not making sufficient moves regarding it.

Highlighting the prevalence of the disease in the country, he noted, “Where sickle cell is more popular or where people know it most is my country Nigeria. And it happens when an SS matches an SS. And that’s why knowing your genotype is very important because the point is you should not bring many more kids that have sickle cell.” He shared his own family’s story, stating, “Unfortunately for me, my parents are sickle cell and they brought me to the world.”

The musician recalled his childhood struggles, explaining that a crisis means excruciating pain in the joints, legs, and sometimes the stomach, describing the experience as “really crazy.” He detailed the night he first truly understood his diagnosis, recalling how his mother carried him on her back and walked miles to the hospital when he was around five or seven years old. He concluded by expressing gratitude that while he “still have crises once in a while,” they are “not as bad as I had it when I was a child,” attributing this improvement to finding ways to properly care for himself and having the resources to do so.