Adekunle Gold Reveals Lifelong Battle With Sickle Cell

Nigerian musician Adekunle Gold has revealed that he still experiences sickle cell crises, shedding light on the challenges he has faced with the disease.

In a recent interview shared on social media, the 38-year-old singer spoke about the pain caused by sickle cell and his lifelong journey with the condition.

He has been on medication since he was five, taking folic acid and B complex supplements to manage the disease.

Adekunle Gold explained that crises can cause severe pain in the joints, legs, and sometimes the stomach.

While the episodes are less severe now than in his childhood, he said they still occur occasionally.

He used the interview to stress the importance of genotype testing, noting that many people are unaware of the disease.

He urged Nigerians to understand their genetic makeup, explaining that knowing your genotype can help prevent passing sickle cell to future generations.

Recalling his first crisis, Adekunle Gold shared a vivid memory from his childhood.

One night, he fell seriously ill, and with his father away, his mother carried him for miles to the hospital. That was when he was diagnosed and told he would need lifelong medication.

Despite the challenges, Adekunle Gold says he has learned to manage the disease with proper care and resources.

He expressed gratitude for the ability to live a healthy life while continuing his career.

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 is why knowing your genotype is very important because the point is you should not bring many more kids that have sickle cell. Unfortunately for me, my parents are sickle cell and they brought me to the world. The first time I ever heard of sickle cell was I would fall sick every time with my joints paining me. So when we talk about crisis, it is pains on your joints, my legs and sometimes stomach. It is really crazy. The first time I noticed that I had it was the night I fell sick and my dad was not home and my mum put me on her back and we walked miles to the hospital. I do not remember how old I was, maybe like 5 or 7. That was when the doctor told me about it, and they told me that I will be taking folic acid and B complex for the rest of my life. And that is my life for a very long time even till now. I still have crises once in a while but not as bad as I had it when I was a child, you know maybe because I have found a way to take care of myself more properly. And I am grateful to God for the resources to be able to do that.