This weekend, popular Afropop musician Adekunle Gold will appear on Globacom-sponsored CNN African Voices Playmakers to discuss his activism for sickle cell disease. The 30-minute show, hosted by CNN journalist Larry Madowo, will feature Gold sharing his personal battle with the illness and his efforts to raise awareness and support for others affected by it.
Adekunle Gold, known for his poignant lyrics and unique musical style, opens up about overcoming the challenges posed by sickle cell disease to achieve success in his career. Despite the hardships, he has used his platform to advocate for those living with the condition, offering hope and inspiration.
In this emotional and revealing first long-form interview, Gold recounts his journey with Madowo, reflecting on how his life experiences have shaped his mission to support the sickle cell community. Born on January 28, 1987, Gold graduated from Lagos State Polytechnic with a Higher National Diploma in Arts and Design.
His music career took off with the release of “Sade” in 2015, a highlife cover of One Direction’s “Story of My Life,” which earned a nomination for Best Alternative Song at The Headies. That same year, he signed with YBNL Nation and released his debut album “Gold,” which debuted at number seven on the Billboard World Albums chart. His subsequent hits include “Orente” and “Pick Up,” and his fifth studio album, “Tequila Ever After,” was released in 2023.
Married to fellow musician Simi since 2019, Gold has received numerous accolades, including Songwriter of the Year at The Headies in 2023, Best African Music Artist at IARA in 2017, Best New Act at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards in 2015 and 2016, and Album of the Year at the City People Entertainment Awards in 2016 and 2017.
Catch this insightful edition of CNN African Voices Playmakers on DSTV Channel 401 this Saturday at 8:30 a.m., with reruns at noon and 4:30 a.m., and 7 p.m. on Sunday. Additional broadcasts will air on Monday at 4 a.m., as well as the following Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and 12 p.m., and Sunday at 4:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
