With this NYU partnership, Adekunle Gold leverages his artistry to amplify impact, transforming music into a tool for social change.
By Abioye Damilare Samson
Nigerian singer-songwriter, Adekunle Gold, is taking his advocacy global through a new partnership with New York University (NYU) aimed at addressing the stigma surrounding sickle cell disease. The initiative, described by NYU as a project to “change the narrative around sickle cell disease”, marks one of the first collaborations between a world-renowned musician and a major research institution.
Led by Dr. Carlos Chirinos and Emmanuel Peprah, the NYU research team will conduct a global survey to understand public perceptions and the lived experiences of those battling sickle cell. Insights from the survey will inform a music-driven intervention designed to raise awareness, shift attitudes, and open dialogue. The initiative will also create platforms for partnerships with international health experts, further expanding its reach.
The collaboration is deeply personal for Adekunle Gold, who has lived with sickle cell disease his entire life. He has spoken candidly about bullying and stigma, noting in a CNN interview that even his status and success have not shielded him from misunderstanding and prejudice. “If someone of my profile faces such negativity, imagine the challenges for those without a platform”, he said.
Philanthropy has always been central to Adekunle Gold’s career. Through the Adekunle Gold Foundation, he has supported advocacy, research, and management of sickle cell disease across Nigeria. Earlier in 2025, the foundation launched the 5 Star Care initiative, providing 1,000 sickle cell warriors with full health insurance coverage, an extension of the reflections on his own condition in his 2022 track, “5 Star”.
With this NYU partnership, Adekunle Gold leverages his artistry to amplify impact, transforming music into a tool for social change. By merging creativity with advocacy, he is not only challenging stigma but also reshaping what it means for African artistes to lead on global health issues, leaving a legacy that resonates far beyond the stage.