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Singer Adekunle Gold has recounted the online backlash he faced when he first spoke about his struggle with sickle cell anemia.
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells and causes them to take on a sickle shape. This blocks blood flow and causes pain, fatigue and other complications.
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The 37-year-old singer detailed his struggle with sickle cell anemia in his 2022 single ‘5 Star’.
During an interview with CNN correspondent Larry Madowo on African Voices Changemakers, the ‘Orente’ singer said he was attacked and bullied on social media.
He said: “They call me sickle. When I talked about my fight against sickle cell anemia in the song ‘5-star’, I saw a lot of tweets from people attacking and abusing me. I’m talking about sickle cell anemia now because I’ve finally worked up the courage to come out and talk openly about it. Many people can’t share their stories like I can. While writing the song ‘5 Star’ and reflecting on my life’s journey, I realized that I am a miracle.
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“I just thought about how ‘sickle cell was a crisis for me.’ It was a difficult time and I was reflecting on that song. I thought maybe it was time to let my voice be heard. People are dying; people are going through that. My whole life I’ve had to deal with this illness that I inherited and then you’re even trolling me for it. People don’t even understand these things. I don’t care about things like that. I need more people to become aware. “I strive to raise awareness and support those suffering from the disease.”
The singer, who rose to fame after the release of ‘Sade’, said he has known about his diagnosis since he was little.
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The father of one claimed that despite knowing his condition, he frequently exposed himself to situations that made him sick, decisions he said had a significant impact on him.
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He said he made those decisions because he didn’t want the disease to define him, although he acknowledged it had consequences.
“They tell me you have sickle cell anemia; You can’t play football in the rain like your teammates. I say, no, I want to play. I have always been rebellious. I knew this my whole life because I had a crisis every time I was growing up.
“I had a crisis every time I was in the hospital, back to back. It affected me a lot because I’m not supposed to be in the rain. “So what happened to me was that my joints hurt from being in the rain, for example, doing strenuous activities as a child that I wasn’t supposed to do,” he noted.
winning the battle
The singer added that he triumphed over the pain by exercising, taking his medications, eating well, resting and staying hydrated.
Adekunle Gold recounted an experience on a plane in which he did not drink enough water, without being aware of its importance.
“Once, while I was on a plane, I was not aware of the importance of drinking plenty of water. Consequently, I didn’t hydrate enough as it didn’t cross my mind. Upon landing, I encountered the most challenging crisis of my life, a sensation I felt deep in my stomach,” said Adekunle Gold.
According to the singer, his usual pains were in his joints and hands. He said he could avoid pain because he had access to medication, treatment and counseling, among other privileges.
The Lagos-born singer noted that his experience on social media made him know that many people were unaware of the disease.
“Now, let us consider those who lack access and cannot afford the necessities to maintain their health. If international organizations are inactive on this issue, it is imperative to force them to act. Simply by observing the discussions about it on social media, I have noticed widespread ignorance around the topic,” she stated.
Adekunle Gold Foundation
On May 11, the ‘Catch Me If You Can’ hitmaker held a medical campaign in Lagos State, in collaboration with the Sickle Cell Management and Advocacy Initiative to raise awareness and advocate for the disease.
The program provided medical treatment to up to 250 patients, offering them comprehensive examinations, medications and valuable health management advice.
Through his foundation, the Adekunle Gold Foundation, the singer expressed his commitment to making people living with sickle cell anemia feel safe and supported.
He noted: “At first I thought my task was important, but witnessing the events has shown me that it is even more immense. It transcends my reach and leaves me inspired, invigorated, and excited, especially when seeing the struggles of others. It has strengthened my resolve to amplify my voice on sickle cell awareness. The world must educate itself about sickle cell anemia.
“Unlike countries like the UK and Canada, where there are policies in place for sickle cell patients, we lack that support where it is needed most. Many cannot afford necessities such as folic acid, which should be easily accessible. “It is disheartening that some cannot even afford adequate food.”
Aim
Through his foundation and associations, the singer stated that his goal is to raise awareness about sickle cell anemia, ensuring that people understand the challenges patients face.
He highlighted that his foundation aims to meet the needs of children fighting the disease across the African continent.
“I want everyone to know the importance of understanding and treating people with this condition. People should know their genotype. Establishing this foundation indicates that it is time to act. I will continue to advocate, organize outreach campaigns and fight for it.
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“I urge the international community to prioritize sickle cell anemia just as we do other diseases. “It disproportionately affects my community and I implore the world to take action.”
He urged those living with the disease not to let it define their lives but to do what they can.
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