Popular gospel singer Busola Oke has opened up about her battle with depression and severe financial hardship, revealing that she turned to antidepressants during the darkest phase of her struggles.
The Eleyele crooner made the emotional disclosure in an interview with actress Biola Adebayo, days after a tearful TikTok live session that left fans worried about her wellbeing.
Speaking candidly about her mental health, Oke admitted that the weight of her circumstances pushed her into deep depression.
“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.
According to the singer, hunger and frustration compelled her to go live on TikTok, where she broke down in tears. She confessed that she had been pretending to be fine while quietly 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 said, adding that she felt isolated and simply needed reassurance from her supporters.
Oke further disclosed that she was unable to pay her N1 million rent last September due to financial constraints. Although a junior colleague gave her N500,000 to assist with the rent, she used the money for feeding and other survival needs because it was insufficient to cover the full payment.
Despite releasing albums including Adura, Songs of Praise, and Ogo Titun, the gospel artiste said she lacked the financial strength to properly promote her projects, worsening her situation.
Now, she says she is exhausted from merely surviving.
“I need help. I want my life back,” Oke pleaded, expressing her longing for stability and a place she can truly call home.
Her revelation has reignited conversations about mental health awareness and the hidden struggles faced by public figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.