Nigerian singer Busola Oke, professionally known as Eleyele, has publicly disclosed severe financial hardship and depression, revealing she is homeless and burdened by debt. The artist’s statements follow a widely shared social media video in which she appeared visibly distressed, lamenting loneliness and a lack of peace.
The initial video, which circulated on Wednesday, prompted concern from fans and urged her associates to intervene. Eleyele later clarified the circumstances in an interview with actress Biola Adebayo on the Talk to B podcast, as reported by Media Talk Africa. She stated the video was a direct plea for help, driven by hunger and a need for emotional support.
Speaking candidly about her situation since 2020, Eleyele detailed her ongoing struggles. “I did that video because I was hungry. I don’t have food to eat. I’m owing a lot of debt,” she said. She expressed feeling heavily burdened, adding, “I want to be free because I don’t owe any debt when I die.” She confirmed she is currently without stable housing, having “been sleeping in different places” after her rental agreement ended. While she noted her manager has provided significant support, she emphasized her prolonged state of desperation, even praying for an end to her suffering.
This public appeal highlights the acute economic and mental health challenges facing some artists in Nigeria’s entertainment sector. Eleyele’s case has drawn specific attention to the lack of a safety net for freelance performers, particularly in the years following the 2020 pandemic, which disrupted income streams across the industry. Her decision to use social media to solicit aid underscores a growing, albeit difficult, trend of creators directly engaging their audiences for basic sustenance.
The incident reinforces broader conversations about financial literacy, mental health resources, and community support systems for public figures. Fans and industry colleagues have since been urged to provide concrete assistance beyond digital expressions of concern. Eleyele’s situation remains a point of focus for those advocating for better structural support for artists in Nigeria and similar markets.
