Nigerian Singer, Adekunle Gold Champions Better Healthcare for Sickle Cell Patients
Nigerian singer, Adekunle Gold has taken a public stand for improved healthcare for sickle cell patients, drawing from his personal experiences with the condition.
In an interview with Larry Madowo on CNN’s African Voices segment, Gold shared the motivations behind his advocacy efforts.
“I want people with sickle cell to feel safe and to feel like they have help, and to feel like they have support,” Gold said. “I only recently got the courage to speak up about it, and a lot of people can’t share their stories like I can.”
The inspiration for his advocacy came to him while writing his song “5 Star.”
Reflecting on his life, he realized the impact of his journey with sickle cell disease. “When I was writing the song, 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 lend my voice? People are dying, people are going through it.”
Gold’s awareness of his condition began in childhood. “I have always known that I had sickle cell,” he explained. “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 singer emphasized the critical need for better healthcare infrastructure and support systems for sickle cell patients. “I’m privileged to have access to these things. Now think about people who don’t have access to basic things to sustain their health. If the international organizations aren’t doing anything about it, it’s time to force their hands.”
Recently, Adekunle Gold partnered with a sickle cell management initiative in Surulere, Lagos State, to host a medical outreach for sickle cell patients. This event successfully provided basic healthcare to about 250 patients, marking a significant step in his ongoing advocacy.
