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Adekunle Gold opens up about battling sickle cell disease, dark thoughts in his 20s, and public stigma.

Adekunle Gold Speaks on Sickle Cell Struggles

Adekunle Gold opens up about battling sickle cell disease, dark thoughts in his 20s, and public stigma.

Published:

May 16, 2026 at 10:00:37 AM

Modified:

May 16, 2026 at 10:00:37 AM

Witty Pascal

Written By |

Witty Pascal

Entertainment Editor

Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has opened up about his long battle with sickle cell disease, revealing how a severe health crisis in his 20s pushed him into dark thoughts.


Speaking during a recent interview with media personality Angela Yee, the “Orente” crooner said he still faces stigma whenever he tells people he is living with sickle cell disease. According to the singer, some people react as though his condition means he is close to death.


Adekunle Gold recalled experiencing what he described as the worst sickle cell crisis of his life at the age of 20. He said the pain became so unbearable that he prayed for God to take his life.


The singer explained that the situation was so serious that even his mother, who usually corrected him whenever he made such statements, could not stop him that night.


“At 20, I had the craziest crisis of my life. I told God to take my life,” he said during the interview.


Despite the painful experiences, Adekunle Gold said he remains grateful to still be alive and continues to fight through the condition while inspiring others living with sickle cell disease.


The singer has previously used his platform to create awareness about sickle cell disorder and encourage conversations around the physical and emotional challenges faced by patients.


Source: The Sun Nigeria 




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