Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has opened up about a severe sickle cell crisis he experienced during a flight to Tanzania, revealing that the episode became so serious that he had to be taken to hospital in Ethiopia.
The singer made the disclosure during an interview on the Afropolitan Podcast, where he recalled experiencing intense stomach pain and cramps while travelling.
According to Adekunle Gold, he initially thought the discomfort was caused by something he had eaten at the airport. However, the pain continued to worsen during the flight, becoming so severe that the crew reportedly considered making an early landing.
The singer said the aircraft eventually landed in Ethiopia, where he was taken to hospital for urgent medical attention.
He recalled that he was unable to walk and had to be placed in a wheelchair for the first time in his life.
Adekunle Gold said doctors diagnosed him with a sickle cell crisis and advised him to pay closer attention to hydration when travelling by air. He said a doctor told him his oxygen level was low and advised him to drink plenty of water while on flights.
The singer, who has previously spoken publicly about living with sickle cell disease, described the experience as one of the most severe crises he has experienced.
Adekunle Gold also noted that frequent air travel is part of his lifestyle, making the experience particularly significant for him.
His account has renewed conversations about sickle cell disease and the challenges people living with the condition can face, particularly while travelling
