Nigerian rapper Oludemilade Martin Alejo, popularly known as YCee, has revealed that he has been managing bipolar disorder since 2020, while highlighting the difficulties many Nigerians face in accessing mental health care.
The 33-year-old artiste made the disclosure during an interview on ARISE TV, where he spoke about his diagnosis, treatment experience and the wider challenges affecting mental health support in Nigeria.
YCee said he was diagnosed while in London, explaining that the experience changed his understanding of mental health and made him more aware of the importance of professional support and open conversations about psychological conditions.
According to him, mental health discussions were not widely prioritised in Nigeria before his personal experience, with many people lacking adequate information about conditions such as bipolar disorder and depression.
He recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, he witnessed a stronger mental health support structure, where helplines and professional services remained available despite the pressure placed on healthcare systems.
However, the rapper said maintaining treatment after returning to Lagos became more challenging due to the shortage of qualified mental health professionals and limited access to specialised care.
YCee described the situation as part of broader healthcare challenges in Nigeria, where many citizens struggle to access quality medical services.
Beyond the availability of treatment, the musician also pointed to stigma as a major obstacle, noting that misconceptions surrounding mental health conditions continue to discourage many people from seeking help.
He said his decision to speak publicly about his experience has generated questions from some individuals who struggle to understand why he continues to discuss his mental health journey.
The rapper explained that his condition also affected his music career, leading to a period away from public attention and reducing the promotion of his 2021 project, Love Drunk.
YCee said he hopes sharing his story will encourage greater awareness, reduce stigma and promote more open discussions about mental health among Nigerians.
