Gospel star Busola Oke reveals antidepressant struggle amid hardship

Nigerian gospel singer Busola Oke has opened up about her struggle with depression and severe financial hardship, revealing that she turned to antidepressants at the lowest point of her crisis.

The Eleyele crooner made the emotional disclosure in an interview with actress Biola Adebayo, days after a tearful TikTok live session that sparked concern among fans.

Speaking about her mental health, Oke said she became overwhelmed by despair. “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 speak out publicly. According to her, she had been pretending to be fine while quietly battling hardship behind the scenes.

“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 admitted, adding that she felt isolated and simply needed reassurance and support from her followers.

Oke also disclosed that she was unable to pay her N1 million rent last September due to her financial struggles. Although a junior colleague gave her N500,000 to assist, she said the money was diverted to feeding and survival since it was not enough to cover the full rent.

Despite releasing albums including Adura, Songs of Praise, and Ogo Titun, the gospel artiste said she lacked the financial resources to properly promote her projects.

Now, she says she is exhausted from merely surviving and is seeking help to regain stability. “I need help. I want my life back,” Oke said, expressing her desire for security and a place she can truly call home.