Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
Afrobeats sensation Adekunle Gold continues to prove that his influence extends far beyond the stage. On June 20, 2026, the Grammy-nominated artist’s foundation partnered with the Sickle Cell Advocacy & Management Initiative (SAMI) to deliver critical medical support to over 500 individuals living with sickle cell disease at Akerele Medical Centre in Surulere, Lagos. The quarterly outreach, timed with International Sickle Cell Day, provided specialist consultations, diagnostic testing, pain management, and a three-month supply of medications to warriors battling the genetic condition.
The “High” crooner, who publicly revealed his own sickle cell journey in 2022, showed up in person to connect with beneficiaries and share an empowering message. “As a warrior, I was constantly told I couldn’t do several things because of my condition, but I never listened to them,” Adekunle Gold told the crowd of children and parents. “Today, I want to encourage and remind you that you can be anything you want to be and your dreams are valid. At Adekunle Gold Foundation, our goal is to destigmatise the sickle cell disease, bring attention to it, and provide key support to help every warrior live a fulfilling life.”
The outreach holds special significance as it marks the first since the passing of SAMI founder Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adesola. Foluso Phillips, Chairman of the SAMI board, emphasized the importance of prevention through blood screening and praised the artist’s commitment. “We are truly grateful to Adekunle Gold for his support in ensuring that this initiative continues to be a success,” Phillips stated. The foundation’s impact goes beyond quarterly outreaches—in 2025, they launched the 5 Star Care initiative, providing 1,000 sickle cell patients with free health insurance through partnerships with the Lagos State Ministry of Health. With Nigeria accounting for over 150,000 new sickle cell cases annually—the highest globally—the Adekunle Gold Foundation is addressing a crisis that affects millions while offering tangible, life-saving resources to those who need them most.
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