Nigerian Afrobeats star Adekunle Gold has shared a deeply personal account of his battle with sickle cell disease, revealing that he once prayed for death during a severe crisis in his youth. In a candid conversation with media host Angela Yee, the singer discussed the stigma surrounding his condition and the intense pain he endured.
The ‘Orente’ hitmaker expressed that people often view him as fragile, assuming he might not survive long after learning about his health status. He recounted a harrowing experience at age 20 when the pain became unbearable, leading him to ask God to end his life. Surprisingly, his mother—who typically scolded him for such prayers—remained silent that night, indicating the severity of the situation.
Reflecting on that moment, Adekunle Gold admitted that even his mother refrained from rebuking him because the agony was so extreme. Despite the dark period, he now feels grateful and resilient, acknowledging his strength to keep fighting the condition. The singer’s story sheds light on the physical and emotional toll of sickle cell disease, emphasizing the importance of awareness and support for those living with it.