Nigerian gospel singer Busola Oke has publicly shared the depth of her financial struggles following an emotional live session that recently went viral.
The singer made headlines after breaking down in tears during a TikTok livestream, where she revealed the mounting pressures she has faced in the music industry. During the session, she expressed frustration over the difficulty of sustaining a career in gospel music, noting that talent alone does not guarantee financial stability. At the time, she also announced her decision to step away from music due to the ongoing strain.
In an interview with Biola Bayo, Oke explained that her emotional breakdown stemmed from feelings of loneliness, depression, frustration, and hunger. She admitted that although she knows many people in the industry, she chose not to ask for help, fearing ridicule and preferring to keep her struggles private since 2020.
According to the singer, she currently has no car and is heavily indebted. The last time she owned a vehicle was in 2020. She revealed that she is struggling to cover the cost of her hotel accommodation, which amounts to ₦55,000 per day. At one point, she said she could no longer afford her ₦1 million annual rent. She also disclosed that money meant for food is often spent on Uber rides for transportation.
“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 mock me.”
Oke appealed for support, stating that she urgently needs stable accommodation and a car — even a fairly used one — to regain stability.
In 2023, Oke publicly accused her former colleague, Gbenga Adewusi, of withholding her earnings after she allegedly rejected his sexual advances. She claimed the situation left her financially stranded and forced her to sell personal assets.
Adewusi denied the allegations, stating that he played a significant role in her rise to fame and that she left his label years ago. He further alleged that she was responsible for her own challenges and accused her of attempting to revive her career through controversy.
Busola Oke began her professional music career over two decades ago. She rose to prominence in 2004 with the release of her hit song Eleyele, which became widely popular and earned her the nickname “Eleyele.” The success of the track established her as a notable figure in Yoruba-language gospel and inspirational music, particularly in South-west Nigeria.
Over the years, she has released several projects, including the albums Eleyele (2004), Oburo (2014), and Igba Ope (2023), alongside numerous singles and collaborations. Known for blending gospel themes with indigenous rhythms and contemporary sounds, Oke carved a niche in inspirational music that combines worship, moral instruction, and social commentary.
Her recent revelations have sparked conversations about the financial realities faced by gospel artists and the broader challenges within the music industry.
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