Nigerian gospel singer Busola Oke has laid bare her painful battle with financial hardship, emotional distress, and growing uncertainty about her future in music.
In an emotional live session on TikTok, the gospel artiste broke down in tears as she recounted the overwhelming pressure of trying to survive solely on gospel music. Her candid confession has since sparked conversations about the hidden struggles faced by artists in the industry.
Speaking further in a separate interview with media personality Biola Bayo, Oke revealed that her emotional outburst was fueled by deep loneliness, depression, frustration, and worsening financial difficulties.
According to the singer, she has not owned a car since 2020 and is currently burdened by mounting debts. She disclosed that she has struggled to maintain stable accommodation and is often forced to divert money meant for basic needs, including food, to cover transportation costs.
“I cried on my live video because I was lonely, depressed, frustrated, and hungry,” she said. “I didn’t ask for help because that is not who I am. I kept quiet about my situation since 2020 because I didn’t want people to pity or mock me.”
Oke admitted that despite knowing many people within the industry, she received little support during her most challenging moments. At one point, she was unable to pay her N1 million house rent and struggled to afford daily meals.
“Right now, I have no car, and I owe a lot of people. The last time I had a car was in 2020. I need to pay my debts. I struggle to pay for the hotel I stay in. I need shelter and a car — even if it’s a jalopy. The money I’m supposed to use for food, I use it to take Uber around,” she lamented.
Her revelations have highlighted the often-unspoken financial realities within the gospel music space, raising questions about artist welfare, mental health support, and the sustainability of music ministries in Nigeria.
As fans react with concern and sympathy, the singer’s future in the industry now hangs in the balance.