Nigerian Gospel Icon Busola Oke Publicly Confronts Financial Hardship, Weighs Career Exit Amid Industry Struggles!
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan, Editor‑in‑chief | Sele Media Africa
Veteran Nigerian gospel singer Busola Oke, celebrated for her enduring contributions to inspirational music and widely known by fans as “Eleyele,” has candidly disclosed severe financial distress that is forcing her to reassess her career in the music industry. The revelation comes after a deeply emotional social media moment that has galvanized public conversation about the socioeconomic realities facing gospel artists in Nigeria.
In a viral live session on TikTok, Oke appeared visibly distressed, apologising to supporters and expressing that the pressures of sustaining her livelihood through gospel music have become overwhelming. The broadcast — shared widely across digital platforms — underlined the stark gap between artistic acclaim and economic stability for many independent musicians.
In a later interview with actress and host Biola Bayo, shared on Instagram, Oke broke her silence on years of private hardship. She attributed her breakdown to loneliness, depression and acute financial strain, saying she has been struggling quietly since 2020 to meet basic needs, including food, housing and debt obligations.
Despite her professional legacy, Oke revealed that she has not owned a personal vehicle since 2020, carries significant debts, and has at times used money meant for meals on transportation. She also disclosed challenges in paying her hotel accommodation and past rent obligations, underscoring how even established artists can face economic instability without consistent industry support.
“I cried because I was lonely, depressed, frustrated and hungry,” Oke said, emphasising that her emotional appeal was not a call for pity but a reflection of harsh realities that many find difficult to articulate publicly.
Her remarks highlight an ongoing debate within Nigeria’s entertainment ecosystem regarding the sustainability of careers in gospel music and the broader creative sector. Oke questioned the assumption that talent and spiritual contributions automatically translate into financial security, saying: “Good music doesn’t sell anymore,” a sentiment that reflects frustration with industry economics in the digital age.
Following the viral sessions, Oke also clarified on the Talk To B Podcast that she had not expressed intentions to harm herself and that her live video was a plea for human connection and emotional support, not a literal cry for self‑harm.
Industry observers and peers have since reacted with concern and solidarity, noting that Oke’s experience exemplifies broader systemic challenges — from limited monetisation opportunities to insufficient structures for artist welfare and support networks. Her situation has sparked renewed attention to the need for sustainable models that can support creative professionals beyond initial fame.
Sources:
The PUNCH
The Nation
QED.NG
The Nation
Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.
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