Veteran gospel singer Busola Oke, affectionately remembered by fans as the voice behind the enduring hit “Eleyele,” has opened up about the crushing weight of financial hardship, emotional turmoil, and the harsh realities of sustaining a career in gospel music.
The revelation unfolded in two emotional public moments this week. First, during a tearful live session on TikTok earlier in the week, Oke broke down as she apologized to her supporters and declared she was stepping away from music. “To my fans, I’m sorry. I never planned to do this, but I can’t take this anymore. I’m done. Good music doesn’t sell anymore,” she said, her voice cracking with frustration over the disconnect between artistic and spiritual dedication and financial reward.
In a follow-up studio interview conducted by Nollywood actress and media personality Biola Adebayo (Biola Bayo), shared widely on Instagram on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Oke provided raw context for her viral breakdown. She explained that the live outburst stemmed not from a desire for pity, but from overwhelming loneliness, depression, frustration, and literal hunger.
“I cried on my live video because I was lonely, depressed, frustrated, and hungry,” Oke confessed. “I didn’t ask for help from people because that is not who I am. I kept quiet about my situation since 2020 because I didn’t want people to pity or mock me. I know a lot of people, but nobody helped me.”
The singer detailed the depth of her struggles: she has been without a personal car since 2020, forcing her to divert money meant for basic needs like food toward ride-hailing services like Uber just to move around for potential gigs. “Right now, I have no car, and I owe a lot of people. The last time I had a car was in 2020. I need to pay my debts. I struggle to pay for the hotel I stay at now. I need shelter and a car, even if it is a jalopy. The money I am supposed to use for food, I use it to take Uber around,” she lamented.
Oke recounted hitting rock bottom with basic housing, revealing she was once unable to pay her N1 million house rent and battled daily to afford meals. She emphasized her reluctance to speak out earlier, fearing judgment in an industry—and society—where public vulnerability can invite both support and scorn.
Her candid account has reignited broader conversations about the precarious economics of gospel music in Nigeria. Unlike many secular genres buoyed by streaming royalties, endorsements, and high-ticket events, gospel artists often rely on church invitations, occasional shows, and limited digital revenue streams—many of which have dried up or become inconsistent amid economic pressures, inflation, and shifting audience priorities.
Oke herself noted that even when invited to perform, compensation is sometimes limited to transport fare, underscoring the undervaluation many creatives in the faith-based space face.
The Eleyele crooner, whose uplifting tracks like “Ogo Tuntun,” “Asoro Ma Tase,” and “Adaba” once resonated widely in Yoruba gospel circles, has previously spoken about challenges, including prolonged disputes with producers that impacted her earnings and visibility.
Social media reactions have poured in swiftly—ranging from heartfelt sympathy and calls for practical support (bookings, donations, or simply streaming her music) to reflections on fame versus financial security.
Fans who grew up with her songs expressed heartbreak, with one longtime admirer noting how her music shaped their childhood and offering readiness to contribute if a formal support channel emerges.
As of today, Oke’s plight continues to trend, serving as a stark reminder that even vessels of inspiration can reach breaking points. In a nation grappling with widespread economic strain, her vulnerability underscores the urgent need for better artist welfare, mental health awareness, and sustainable structures within Nigeria’s creative and gospel ecosystems.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Veteran gospel singer Busola Oke is currently enduring severe financial hardship, depression, loneliness, and hunger—struggles she has quietly faced since 2020. Despite her long-standing contribution to Nigerian gospel music through timeless hits like “Eleyele,” she now lacks a car, battles mounting debts, struggles to afford basic shelter and food, and receives minimal compensation even when invited to perform.
