Nigerian rapper Oludemilade Martin Alejo, popularly known as YCee, has opened up about the health battle that changed his life and career, revealing he spent years battling a mental health condition after doctors diagnosed him in 2020.
The “Condo” hitmaker shared his story during a recent appearance on the Afropolitan Podcast, where he explained why he stepped away from the music scene for an extended period.
YCee said doctors diagnosed him while he was in London during the COVID-19 lockdown. He spent six months in the city, including about three months going in and out of hospital.
In 2020, I got diagnosed with a mental health condition during the lockdown. I was in London for six months and was in-and-out of hospital for about three months.
The rapper said visa restrictions forced him to return to Nigeria, where he continued his treatment.
I had to return to Nigeria to continue treatment because of the type of Visa I was on. Coming back to Lagos and getting into the system of mental health in Nigeria, it was a very very long six years. I was on medication and had to be hospitalised several times and still dealing with therapies.
Looking back, YCee said the journey brought many highs and lows.
It was up and down. Sometimes it is looking good and sometimes, it just gets really dark.
After years of medication, therapy and treatment, YCee says he is now stable, marking a major milestone in his recovery.