Afrobeats star Adekunle Gold has shared an emotional account of one of the most painful moments of his life, revealing that a severe sickle cell crisis, at the age of 20, pushed him to the point where he wished for death.
The singer made the revelation during an interview with media personality Angela Yee, where he spoke about his long battle with sickle cell disease and the intense physical and emotional pain he endured during the health crisis.
According to Adekunle Gold, the episode remains the worst crisis he has experienced, describing the pain as so unbearable that he prayed for God to take his life.
He explained that the situation became especially emotional because even his mother, who would normally discourage such statements, could not bring herself to rebuke him that night.
Recalling the experience, the singer said the pain reached a stage where death appeared to be the only relief from the suffering he was enduring at the time.
“At 20, I had the craziest crisis of my life. I told God to take my life. And my mom couldn’t even rebuke me. Normally, she would, but that night, it got to a point where it felt like the only thing that made sense should just happen,” he said during the interview.
The revelation has generated widespread reactions online, with fans and supporters expressing sympathy while commending the singer for speaking openly about the realities of living with sickle cell disorder.
Adekunle Gold has, over the years, become one of the most prominent Nigerian celebrities openly discussing sickle cell disease, using his platform to create awareness and encourage people living with the condition.
Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder that can cause episodes of severe pain known as crises, as well as complications affecting different parts of the body. In Nigeria, the condition remains one of the most common inherited health disorders, affecting thousands of people across the country.
Many individuals living with sickle cell disease often face repeated hospital visits, physical pain, emotional distress, and social challenges, especially during severe crises that can last for days or weeks.
The singer’s latest comments have once again drawn attention to the physical and mental toll associated with the condition, as well as the importance of increased awareness, medical support, and emotional care for patients.
Despite the painful experience he described, Adekunle Gold said he remains grateful to have survived the difficult period and continues to manage the condition while pursuing his music career successfully.
