It is no longer news that popular Nigerian singer Adekunle Kosoko, professionally known as Adekunle Gold, lives with sickle cell anaemia.
In a recent interview, the 38-year-old musician revealed that he still experiences health crises associated with the condition.
“I still have crises,” he said. “My vision is to raise more awareness about it because many people don’t understand sickle cell, and the relevant organisations aren’t doing enough to create impact.”
He further explained that sickle cell anaemia is prevalent in Nigeria and often occurs when two individuals with the SS genotype have children together.
“That’s why knowing your genotype is very important,” he emphasised. “The goal is to prevent bringing more children into the world with sickle cell.”
Reflecting on his own experience, Adekunle Gold disclosed that both his parents carried the sickle cell trait.
“Unfortunately for me, my parents were both SS, and that’s how I was born with the condition,” he recounted. “The first time I realised something was wrong was when I used to fall sick frequently, with severe pains in my joints. During a crisis, the pain is usually in my legs, joints, and sometimes my stomach, it’s really intense.”
He recalled his first major episode as a child; “One night, I fell seriously ill. My dad wasn’t home, so my mum carried me on her back and walked miles to the hospital. I must have been about five or seven years old. That was when the doctor explained that I had sickle cell and would need to take folic acid and vitamin B complex for the rest of my life.”
Despite the challenges, the award-winning singer expressed gratitude for his improved health and resources to manage the condition.
“I still have crises occasionally, but not as often or as severe as when I was younger. I’ve learned how to take better care of myself and I’m thankful to God for the means to do so.”