Nigerian rapper Oludemilade Martin Alejo, popularly known as YCee, has disclosed that he has been managing bipolar disorder since 2020, while drawing attention to the challenges of accessing mental health professionals and adequate treatment in Nigeria.
The 33-year-old made the disclosure during an interview on ARISE TV, where he spoke about receiving his diagnosis in London and the challenges he has faced in maintaining proper care after returning to Nigeria.
YCee said the diagnosis transformed his understanding of mental health, noting that conversations around psychological conditions were rarely prioritised in Nigeria before his personal experience with the condition.
He explained that the support system he encountered in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic showed a major difference in how mental health services are provided, with helplines and professional support remaining accessible despite the wider health crisis.
However, after returning to Lagos to continue treatment, the rapper said he struggled with the shortage of qualified mental health professionals and limited resources within Nigeria’s healthcare system.
YCee said the challenge extends beyond mental health, describing it as part of broader problems affecting access to quality healthcare across the country.
He also highlighted the stigma surrounding mental health conditions in Nigeria, saying many people still misunderstand illnesses such as depression and bipolar disorder.
The rapper said his decision to speak openly about his experience has attracted questions from some people who do not understand why he continues to discuss his struggles publicly.
YCee further revealed that his mental health challenges affected his music career, contributing to a period away from the spotlight and limiting the promotion of his 2021 project, Love Drunk, which he said received less attention because of the condition he was managing at the time.
Goodness Anunobi
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