Nigerian recording artist Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko, professionally known as Adekunle Gold, has publicly disclosed his continued medical challenges arising from sickle cell crises, as part of his sustained advocacy to raise awareness and mobilize support for individuals living with the condition.
The singer made this revelation during an interview with Nandoleaks, an international podcast, on Wednesday.
While recounting his experience, the artiste noted that he still experiences periodic episodes of sickle cell crises, although less frequently than during his childhood, attributing the improvement to improved self-care and access to medical resources. According to him:
“I still have crises once in a while, but not as bad as I had them when I was a child, 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.”
In furtherance of his advocacy, the 38-year-old musician emphasized the need for genetic testing prior to conception, underscoring the public health implications of sickle cell disease. He stated that while the condition is prevalent in Nigeria, inadequate public education and institutional response continue to exacerbate its spread.
“My vision is to create more awareness because a lot of people don’t know about it, and relevant organizations are not doing enough. Sickle cell occurs when two individuals with the SS genotype conceive a child. That’s why it’s important to know your genotype before marriage or childbirth,” he said.
Adekunle further disclosed that both his parents are carriers of the sickle cell gene, and that he first became aware of his condition during early childhood, following repeated illnesses characterized by joint and abdominal pain.
“The first time I realized I had it was when I fell sick one night. My father wasn’t home, and my mother carried me on her back to the hospital. I was about five or seven years old. The doctor told me I would be on folic acid and vitamin B complex for life—and that has been my reality till date,” he recalled.
Since attaining fame, Adekunle Gold has consistently championed sickle cell awareness. In June 2025, he launched the ‘5 Star Care’ Initiative under the Adekunle Gold Foundation, aimed at providing free health insurance for 1,000 individuals living with sickle cell disease. The initiative, which he referenced in his hit song “5 Star” (released 15 July 2022), offers routine medical care, emergency treatment, and long-term support.
The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Lagos State Health Scheme Management Agency (LASHMA), Sickle Cell Management Initiatives (SCMI), and the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
Additionally, to mark World Sickle Cell Day on 19 June 2025, the Adekunle Gold Foundation partnered with the Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative to conduct a medical outreach in Lagos State, further consolidating his commitment to advocacy and humanitarian support for those affected by the disease.#newsafro_
