Adekunle Gold Opens Up On Health Scare: My Oxygen Level Was Low

Afrobeats singer Adekunle Kosoko, popularly known as Adekunle Gold, has opened up about a severe sickle cell crisis he experienced while travelling to Tanzania, revealing that the episode became so serious that he required emergency medical attention after landing in Ethiopia.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the singer recounted the experience during an interview on the Afropolitan Podcast, explaining that the crisis began while he was on a flight with a stopover in Ethiopia.

Adekunle Gold said he initially experienced intense stomach pain and cramps during the flight and assumed the discomfort might have been caused by food he had eaten before boarding the aircraft. However, the pain continued to worsen despite his initial assumption.

According to the singer, his condition became so severe that the flight crew reportedly considered landing earlier because of the seriousness of the situation. He eventually remained on the flight until it was close to Ethiopia, where he required immediate medical attention after landing.

Adekunle Gold said he was unable to walk when he arrived and had to be placed in a wheelchair and taken to a hospital. He said a doctor subsequently informed him that he was experiencing a sickle cell crisis.

The singer explained that although he had experienced sickle cell crises in the past, the episode was different from what he was accustomed to because the pain manifested differently. He said the doctor also advised him to drink plenty of water while travelling by air.

Adekunle Gold recalled that the doctor attributed his condition to a low oxygen level and insufficient hydration on the day of the journey. The singer said the experience was particularly alarming because he frequently travels by air and spends considerable time on planes.

Reflecting on the incident, Adekunle Gold stressed the importance of paying attention to hydration and oxygen levels while travelling, particularly for people living with sickle cell disease. He noted that being at high altitude can present additional challenges for people managing the condition.

The singer has previously spoken publicly about living with sickle cell disease and has used his platform to discuss his experiences with the condition and the challenges that come with managing it.