Nigerian gospel singer Busola Oke has opened up about the painful financial realities she is currently facing, revealing that she is struggling to survive despite years in the music industry.
The emotional confession comes days after her viral TikTok breakdown, which sparked concern among fans and colleagues across the country.
Speaking in an interview with Biola Bayo, the singer explained that the tears seen online were the result of deep emotional and financial pressure.
“I cried on my live video because I was lonely, depressed, frustrated and hungry,” she said. “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 mock me.”
She disclosed that her financial struggles have reached a critical point, leaving her without stable accommodation or transportation.
“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. It’s N55,000 a day. 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.”
The singer also expressed frustration with the economic realities of gospel music, stressing that talent alone does not guarantee financial stability.
Her recent struggles add to a long history of personal and professional battles. In 2023, she publicly accused music marketer Gbenga Adewusi of financial exploitation after she allegedly rejected his advances, a claim that sparked controversy within the industry.
Despite the turbulence, Busola remains widely recognised for her breakout hit Eleyele, which made her a household name in Yoruba gospel music and established her as one of the genre’s most influential voices.
Now, the veteran singer says she simply needs stability; shelter, mobility, and a chance to rebuild. Her story has reignited conversations about the financial vulnerability of artists, especially in faith-based music, where visibility does not always translate into sustainable income.