Singer and songwriter Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko, popularly known by his stage name AG Baby or Adekunle Gold , revealed how it took him years to share with the public that he was born with sickle cell anemia.
Adekunle Gold, who shared this heart-melting message on his X (formerly Twitter), asserted that he had raised awareness about the ailment two years ago via his music:
“It took me years to finally be able to share publicly that I was born with sickle cell. Over the last 2 years, I have spoken about this disease during my performances, but I realize that more needs to be done.”
The 37-year-old afrobeat singer, in his advocacy for children living with sickle cell, said the week had been emotional for him and that he had been able to reach parents of children living with the disease:
“Every year, over 100,000 children are born with sickle cell in Nigeria alone. Sickle cell has no cure; it is highly under-researched because it largely affects West Africans. This weekend was very emotional for me. I met children living with the disease and spoke with parents who are finding it challenging to cope amidst the economic crisis in the country.”
In a short video clip shared on social media, Gold encourages children with the ailment, using his growth to stardom as the benchmark:
“I am inspired by the touching stories and encounters I had last weekend, and I want to ensure that all the independent organizations doing the vital work, outreach, and research needed to fight sickle cell receive the resources and support that they desperately need.”
“To my champions, if I can do it, you can do it too.”
The first time he disclosed that he’s a sickle cell patient, in 2022, he released a song titled ‘5 Stars,’ expressing his lifelong battle with the disease.
Adekunle, originally a Photoshoper, rose to fame after being mentioned by Olamide during the traditional Headies award ceremony, where Olamide contested Lil Kesh’s loss of the ‘Next Rated Artist of the Year’ award for 2015.
This sparked a feud between Olamide and Don Jazzy, the winner’s manager, culminating in a public confrontation.
Adekunle gained further prominence in 2015 with his single titled “Sade” a highlife cover of “Story of My Life”
In 2019, he married fellow renowned singer and long time girl friend Simi, and they welcomed a beautiful daughter in 2020.
