Adekunle opens up about living with sickle cell anaemia.

Nigerian multi-award-winning artist and entrepreneur, Adekunle Gold, shares glimpses of his experience growing up with sickle cell anaemia and opening up about his illness.

 In an interview with seasoned CNN reporter Larry Madowo on African Voices, the father of one recalled being restricted from many fun activities as a young boy due to his weak immunity, which made him feel different.

“I have always known that I had sickle cell, I knew since I was a child that I couldn’t do certain things. I was told ‘You have sickle cell so you can’t play in the rain like your peers.’ I had crises every time when I was a child and was in the hospital back to back,” the 36-year-old singer candidly divulged.

He continued to explain how he found the inspiration and courage to openly discuss his illness and support others facing similar struggles while working on a song.

“When I was writing the song ‘5 Star’ I was reflecting on my life and how I’m a miracle. There was a line that said, ‘Sickle cell showed me Crises.’ It was really a tough time for me so I just thought why don’t I just lend my voice? People are dying, people are going through it,” Adekunle told Larry.

The song, which was released a year ago, currently has over 3.2 million views and more than 37,000 likes on YouTube. 

Additionally, Adekunle has a remix of the same song with American rapper and business mogul Rick Ross.

During a concert 3 months ago, the artist took a moment to give a massive shout-out to people battling life-threatening conditions.

“Our sickle cell survivors, our warriors that are currently going through it. If I can do it, you can do it.

I was born with sickle cell, I grew up with sickle cell, and all my life I fought with it,” the ‘Mercy’ crooner energetically stated.

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