Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Busola Oke, has opened up on her painful battle with depression and crippling financial hardship, revealing that she turned to antidepressants at the lowest point of her struggles.
The Eleyele crooner made the emotional disclosure during an interview with Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo, just days after a tearful TikTok live session that sparked widespread concern among fans.
Speaking candidly about her mental health, Oke admitted that the weight of her challenges became overwhelming.
“I was so depressed that I started taking antidepressants. When I took them, I would sleep for two days and disconnect from everyone. I began to feel like it was the end,” she said.
The singer explained that hunger and mounting frustration pushed her to go live on TikTok — a move that many viewers initially found shocking. According to her, she had been masking her pain while silently battling hardship.
“I made that video because I was hungry. I have been putting up a charade. I have been pretending to be fine. I am not fine,” she confessed, adding that she felt isolated and simply needed reassurance from her supporters.
Oke further disclosed that she was unable to pay her ₦1 million rent last September due to her financial situation. Although a junior colleague reportedly gave her ₦500,000 to assist, she was forced to use the money for feeding and survival because it was not enough to settle the full rent.
Despite releasing albums such as Adura, Songs of Praise, and Ogo Titun, the gospel artiste lamented that she lacked the financial strength to properly promote her projects.
Now, she says she is weary of merely surviving and longs for stability.
“I need help. I want my life back,” Oke said, expressing her desire for a secure home and a fresh start.
Her revelation has reignited conversations around mental health, financial instability in the gospel music industry, and the silent battles many public figures endure behind the spotlight.
