(Oludemilade Martin Alejo. Photo by Starlogue)
Nigerian singer and rapper Oludemilade Martin Alejo, popularly known as YCee, has opened up about a years-long battle with mental health, revealing he was diagnosed with a condition in 2020.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, the ‘Omo Alhaji’ crooner disclosed that the diagnosis, which came during the lockdown period, also played a role in his extended absence from the music industry.
YCee said he spent six months in London following the diagnosis, during which he was in and out of hospital for approximately three months.
He was subsequently compelled to return to Nigeria to continue treatment due to the constraints of his visa at the time.
Recounting his experience after returning to Lagos, the rapper described navigating Nigeria’s mental health system over a six-year period as extremely challenging.
He said he remained on medication, underwent multiple hospitalisations, and continued attending therapy sessions throughout the period, adding that his condition fluctuated significantly with moments of progress often giving way to difficult episodes.
YCee has, however, disclosed that he is now in a stable condition following sustained treatment and therapy.