Veteran Nigerian singer Busola Oke, popularly known as Eleyele, has sparked concern among fans after breaking down in tears during a live social media session, where she opened up about mounting personal and professional challenges.
In an emotional video that began circulating on Tuesday, the singer lamented the financial strain she says has weighed heavily on her music career. Speaking candidly, she questioned how she could continue amid hardship.
“How can you eat when there’s no food? How can you drive when there’s no car? How can you be at peace when there’s no peace?” she said tearfully during the broadcast.
Offering an apology to her supporters, Oke added, “To my fans, I’m sorry. I never planned to do this, but I can’t take this anymore. I’m done. Good music doesn’t sell anymore.”
The heartfelt session quickly drew widespread reactions online, with fans and colleagues flooding her page with messages of encouragement. Many urged the singer to remain strong and prioritise her well-being during what appears to be a difficult period.
Oke rose to prominence with hit songs such as “Eleyele,” “Ogo Tuntun,” “Asoro Ma Tase,” and “Adaba,” earning a reputation for her powerful vocals and spiritually themed music. Over the years, however, her presence in the industry has fluctuated.
In a 2017 interview, the singer explained that her prolonged absence from the Nigerian music scene was due to family commitments. According to her, she relocated abroad to live with her husband and focus on raising their children.
“I have been away for a long time. I am married to somebody who doesn’t stay in Nigeria. I had to stay with my family to take care of the kids,” she said at the time.
She later revealed that she had returned to Nigeria to revive her career, noting that her husband understood the impact the break had on her music journey.
“My husband understands that my music has been affected for a while because of this break. I have handed everything over to God. Now I am back and it is for good. I have finally relocated to Nigeria, and I am ready to face my music. I will just be going abroad during vacations,” she stated.
At the time, Oke also disclosed plans to release a double album — one crossover project and another fully gospel-themed effort — as part of her comeback strategy.
Although widely recognised as a gospel artiste, the singer has previously clarified that she prefers to be described as an inspirational musician rather than confined to a single genre.
“That is what I want to prove to people. I love praising God. But that doesn’t make me a gospel singer. I can sing at weddings, I can sing anywhere. I do not have any problem with singing as long as I am making an impact and imparting on lives. I am first of all, a singer. I can sing all songs. Gospel is good news and I am preaching to people through all the songs I sing,” she explained.
Her recent emotional outcry has once again drawn attention to the pressures faced by artists navigating the realities of the entertainment industry, particularly those attempting comebacks after extended breaks.