YCee Reveals Mental Health Diagnosis, Hospitalisation Struggle in 2020

Nigerian rapper shares emotional account of treatment, recovery and six-year mental health journey

Nigerian singer and rapper Oludemilade Martin Alejo, popularly known as YCee, on Wednesday, June 25, 2026, opened up about his mental health struggles, revealing that he was diagnosed with a mental health condition in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown period, a development that significantly affected his music career and personal life.

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The artiste, widely known for his hit single “Omo Alhaji,” made the disclosure during a recent appearance on the Afropolitan podcast, where he spoke candidly about his experience with hospitalisation, treatment abroad and ongoing therapy over several years.

YCee explained that his condition led to a prolonged period of medical care in London, where he spent several months receiving treatment and was admitted to hospital multiple times over a three-month period.

“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,” he said.

He further revealed that his treatment journey continued after returning to Nigeria, noting that limitations related to his visa situation influenced his decision to continue care locally.

According to him, adjusting to Nigeria’s mental health care system presented additional challenges, as he underwent extended therapy sessions and continued medication over a long period marked by emotional fluctuations.

“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,” YCee said.

The rapper described the experience as unstable and emotionally draining, noting that his condition varied over time, with periods of improvement followed by difficult relapses.

“It was up and down. Sometimes it is looking good and sometimes, it just gets really dark,” he added.

Despite the struggles, YCee stated that he is currently stable and continuing his recovery process through treatment and therapy, expressing gratitude for his progress so far.

Mental health advocates often highlight the importance of public figures sharing such experiences, noting that openness can help reduce stigma and encourage more people to seek professional support.

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YCee’s revelation adds to a growing list of Nigerian entertainers who have spoken publicly about mental health challenges, sparking renewed conversations around emotional wellbeing in the country’s creative industry.